POK MUZAFFARABAD – A full-scale walkout planned by civil society groups in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has turned violent, killing at least one person and injuring many more. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a group that wants changes to the way things work in the government, the economy, and the way things are done in general, started the strike.
On Monday, there were reports of deaths in the Neelum Bridge region, where a “peace rally” led by Muslim Conference leader Raja Saqib Majeed clashed with JKJAAC protesters. Witnesses said that people in Majeed’s convoy shot at the protesters without cause, killing Mohammad Sudheer, a 30-year-old crockery shop owner, who died from too much blood after being shot. Another store owner was also hurt by shrapnel.
Eyewitnesses say that police and paramilitary personnel defended the so-called “peace rally.” They say they threw tear gas and shot at the JKJAAC demonstrators. People at a nearby hospital revealed discarded bullet casings that they said they found on the ground while trying to help the injured.
Authorities have stopped all internet, mobile, and landline services since Sunday afternoon because of the strike that started on September 29. The “shutter-down and wheel-jam” strike call has led to the closure of all businesses, stores, and street sellers. The roads are empty.
Two years ago, the JKJAAC started protesting by asking for cheap bread and energy. It has grown into a 38-point charter that calls for the end of 12 special assembly seats for refugees, less privileges for the Kashmiri elite, and assurances for free healthcare and education. The committee says that the administration hasn’t properly followed through on the agreement made two years ago, which is why the protests are happening again.
Later on Monday, hundreds of people went to Lal Chowk in Muzaffarabad, where JKJAAC leaders gave speeches and asked for another big meeting on Tuesday morning to talk on what to do next. There have also been reports of similar gatherings in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti. In Bhimber, Ehsanul Haq, the brother of the region’s “prime minister,” Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, held a rally.