After days of fervent demonstrations, the Awami Joint Action Committee (AJAC) announced the cessation of protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday, following the government’s acceptance of their demands, as reported by ARY News.
The committee, at the forefront of the protests, declared an end to the demonstrations after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a Rs23 billion subsidy package for the people of AJK.
In a statement, the AJAC affirmed, “The government has acceded to all the demands of the protesters.”
Nonetheless, the committee proclaimed a statewide shutdown until 3 p.m. today to commemorate those who lost their lives during the protests.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the alliance’s leader, additionally urged the government to provide financial compensation to the families of three protesters and a police officer who were killed in the unrest.
The region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir bore witness to violent clashes between law enforcement agencies and activists of a rights movement amid widespread strikes, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and numerous injuries.
Tragically, further clashes erupted in Muzaffarabad on Monday, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to two others. During these altercations, a police officer also lost his life, with several other law enforcement personnel sustaining injuries.
The preceding day, the AJK government had announced reductions in electricity and flour prices for the people of AJK. Wheat flour prices were slashed by Rs1100 per 40 kg bag, from Rs3100 to Rs2000, as per the notification issued. Additionally, reductions in electricity tariffs were approved, with domestic consumers using up to 100 units charged at Rs3 per unit, and those using 101-300 units charged at Rs5 per unit. Industrial consumers using up to 300 units will be charged Rs10 per unit, while those consuming more than 300 units will be charged Rs15 per unit.
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