MUZAFFARABAD: Government officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday reiterated that the recently promulgated ordinance to regulate public assemblies for public order and safety would be implemented in its true spirit, warning that violations would be dealt with in accordance with law.

In Muzaffarabad, Divisional Commissioner Masoodur Rehman, and in Rawalakot, Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan, asserted at press conferences that the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024’ was not intended for political purposes but to ensure the smooth functioning of daily life, protect citizens and facilitate ease in their lives.

Both officials expressed these views a day after the AJK High Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Sadaqat Hussain Raja, dismissed two writ petitions, challenging the ordinance.

Mr Rehman, who was accompanied by DIG Muzaffarabad Yasin Qureshi and other officials, maintained that the ordinance laid down a formal procedure for protests and public gatherings to prevent disruptions and inconveniences to ordinary citizens.

“Under this ordinance, any gathering or assembly in AJK requires a written application for permission to be submitted to the district magistrate [competent authority] at least seven days in advance.”

“The authority will decide on the request within a minimum of 48 hours and a maximum of seven days, based on the law and order situation and security clearance reports.

“If permission is granted, the protest or gathering will only be allowed at designated locations and within specified times,” he said.

“In case permission is denied, the applicant can appeal to the divisional commissioner within 15 days. Further, a review petition against the divisional commissioner’s order can also be filed with the home secretary within the same timeframe,” he added.

Mr Rehman said that in the event of an unauthorised gathering or assembly, the district magistrate, through the police, would disperse the crowd, and violators could face imprisonment of up to three years, fines, or both.

Any individual, group, or organisation wishing to make demands must follow legal procedures and present them to the authorized legal authority, rather than taking unilateral actions and unlawfully

compromising civil liberties, he added.

He also declared that any propaganda against national security or state institutions under the guise of this law would be dealt strictly.

In Rawalakot, Mr Khan, who was accompanied by DIG Poonch Shehryar Sikandar, maintained that some people were misinterpreting the ordinance to mislead the public.

“Legislation […] is the government’s prerogative. If someone disagrees with a law, they may approach the appropriate forum, but no one will be permitted to block roads and intersections, thereby infringing on others’ personal freedoms,” he said.

Rawalakot has witnessed sporadic protests by some groups against the ordinance.

Referring to these protests, Mr Khan said a few days earlier, some people had staged demonstrations during which they blocked roads, used inflammatory language against state institutions, refused to abide by state laws, and burned copies of the ordinance.

“Four arrests have already been made and more are expected.”

Protest rally in Rawalakot

Shortly after his media talk, a protest rally was staged by some pro-independence organisations in Rawalakot’s bustling Supply Bazaar against the four arrests.

In their efforts to stop the rally, riot police used tear gas, and protesters retaliated by pelting stones. As a result, some police personnel and protesters sustained minor injuries.

Witnesses said the clash between the police and protesters continued for about an hour, severely disrupting civic life.

Eventually, the police allowed the protesters to reach the city’s main square, where they staged a sit-in.

Speaking at the sit-in, protest leaders warned of continued demonstrations unless their demands were met.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024