A prolonged wheel-jam strike in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has entered its fourth day, accompanied by a significant protest led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) as reported by Geo News on Monday.
The AAC-led long march toward the PoJK capital, Muzaffarabad, has triggered sit-ins along the Kohala-Muzaffarabad Road, effectively halting traffic on the 40-kilometer route connecting Kohala town to Muzaffarabad. Starting from Dhirkot, the demonstrators aim to reach the capital.
The situation has escalated, prompting the deployment of Rangers and police by the PoJK government following clashes in Mirpur. These clashes resulted in the unfortunate death of a police officer and left over 70 others injured.
Key areas and sensitive points are under heavy police presence, with markets, trade centers, educational institutions, and transportation services shut down or suspended.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a high-level meeting to address the ongoing unrest in PoJK. Expressing concern over the clashes, he emphasized the need for upholding the rule of law and urged peaceful resolution of demands through dialogue.
President Asif Ali Zardari also weighed in, urging restraint and dialogue among stakeholders to resolve issues within the legal framework. He offered condolences for the deceased officer and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
The AAC’s central leadership distanced itself from the violent incidents, with members stating that the protests were initially peaceful. However, clashes erupted as tensions escalated during the strike against electricity price hikes and taxes.
The protest has led to disruptions across PoJK, including the suspension of telecommunication and internet services in various towns. Police have conducted arrests in response to the violence, while the situation remains tense with ongoing demonstrations and strikes affecting daily life in the region.