The government of Azad Jammu Kashmir has declared a local holiday in the capital, Muzaffarabad, on Monday, amidst ongoing strikes and protests. According to a notification issued, May 13 (Monday) will be observed as a holiday in all government and private institutions in Muzaffarabad.
Internet services remained suspended as negotiations between agitators and the government failed to reach a resolution, leading to continued protest actions. In response to the unrest, major business centers have shut down, and public transportation has been halted in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions.
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The protest movement in the state capital was initiated after discussions between the JAAC core committee and AJK Chief Secretary Dawood Bareach in Rawalakot ended inconclusively, prompting accusations from protest leaders of the government employing evasive tactics.
The protests in AJK are centered on demands for a reduction in electricity tariffs, citing electricity production from the Mangla Hydropower Project, as well as calls for a wheat subsidy similar to that in Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, demonstrators are calling for an end to what they perceive as unnecessary perks and privileges enjoyed by the ruling class and officials.
