MUZAFFARABAD: At least nine people, including three police personnel, lost their lives and over 100 were injured during ongoing protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), prompting the federal government to renew its offer for negotiations with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC).
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, flanked by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, addressed a press conference on Wednesday, stating that 90% of the committee’s demands had already been accepted. “Federal ministers stand as guarantors to ensure implementation,” he assured.
The protests, which have gripped Muzaffarabad for days, led to a complete shutdown across the city. Shops, hotels, and commercial centers remained shuttered, while public transport vanished from the roads. Although schools were officially open, attendance was minimal.
The JKJAAC had earlier presented a 38-point charter of demands, including the abolition of 12 reserved seats for refugees and the rollback of privileges enjoyed by the political elite. Minister Chaudhry acknowledged that two of these demands required constitutional amendments—namely, reducing the number of ministers and eliminating refugee seats in the Legislative Assembly—but emphasized the government’s willingness to negotiate on these points.
“There is no need for further protest,” Chaudhry said, accusing the action committee of pushing the movement into a deadlock. He warned that continued unrest could be exploited by adversaries, particularly India, for propaganda purposes.
Prime Minister Haq echoed the call for peace, confirming that three police officers had been martyred and over 100 individuals injured, including eight critically. He stressed that the government valued all lives equally and was prepared to resume talks from where they had stalled.
“Dialogue is the only civilized path forward,” Haq said, adding that cabinet members were stationed in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot to facilitate negotiations. He condemned the burning of a school building during the protests, calling it a tragic example of why peaceful resolution is essential. “Public rights are buried where human lives are lost,” he remarked.
Haq also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had expressed his willingness to personally engage with the action committee, urging protestors to return to the negotiation table. He reiterated that none of the committee’s demands were beyond resolution through dialogue and even offered to consider reducing cabinet privileges if necessary.
In a separate statement issued late Wednesday, the AJK government confirmed that six civilians and three police personnel had died during the demonstrations. It reported that 172 police officers were injured, with 12 in critical condition, and around 50 civilians also sustained injuries.
The government appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid falling prey to misinformation circulating on social media, which it claimed was being spread under a specific agenda.
