• Judicial probe, penalty for killings sought
• Funerals held for victims of violence
• PM grieved over loss of lives; minister says conspiracy foiled

MUZAFFARABAD: Leaders of a rights movement in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) announced an end to their protests on Tuesday, a day after the government accepted their demands for reduced prices of wheat flour and electricity and review of the ‘luxuries’ of privileged class.

However, they declared a shutdown until 3pm as a mark of mourning over the death of three residents allegedly at the hands of paramilitary force, Rangers.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a leading Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader, condemned the firing on unarmed people as “state terrorism” and demanded punishment for the killers. He also cal-led for a judicial inquiry into police action and the release of detained activists.

Despite the suspension of internet services, thousands attended the funerals of the three deceased at different locations. Emotional scenes were witnessed at the K.H. Khurshid stadium, where participants vowed to protect their rights and identity.

JAAC’s Mir condemned the killing of the three persons as the biggest-ever mishap and demanded a judicial inquiry and FIR against the killings.

The movement’s leaders declared an end to their protests, but vowed to continue fighting for their rights and resources through a vibrant civil society.

The prime minister said that the incident was a matter of immense pain, resulting in the loss of lives, damage to buildings, and injuries to law enforcement personnel.

PM to visit AJK soon

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives during the protests, adds APP. He told the cabinet meeting that he would visit the AJK capital within the next few days to hold consultations over the issue.

The prime minister highlighted AJK’s significance, calling it the “jugular vein of Pakistan” as dec­lared by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. He thanked various stakeholders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, political leaders, and parliamentarians, for their support and deliberations lead-ing to the acceptance of the protestors’ demands.

The centre announced Rs23 billion package for the people of AJK. The prime minister also highlighted the importance of dialogue in resolving issues and appreciated the AJK government’s restraint.

On the other hand, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, at a joint presser along with Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, said the PM’s decision to resolve the crisis in AJK had averted a tragedy. He praised the prime minister’s timely actions, which foiled the conspiracy of inimical forces and prevented chaos and anarchy.

Mr Tarar dubbed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf as “Tehreek-i-Intishar” and accused its leadership of attempting to benefit from the situation. He said the prime minister’s excellent decision-making resolved the issue and that the economy was on the right track, with inflation being controlled and foreign investment increasing.

“Kashmir is our jugular vein, we will not let any enemy look at it with an evil eye,” he remarked.

Responding to a question, he said the Kashmir issue was being raised at all relevant forums and it should be resolved according to UN resolutions.

In reply to another question, he said that the AJK had a special status, and its affairs were run with the grant of the federal government.

Expressing heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred policemen, he said they would be given support by the government.

He said Pakistan’s reputation was being restored, foreign delegations were visiting the country and foreign investment was increasing gradually due to the policies of the coalition government.

He said that due to the policies of the government inflation was coming down, which was a positive sign.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2024