Massive rallies and demonstrations took place in the cities and towns of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Poonch and Mirpur divisions on Tuesday. The strikes aimed to protest against inflated power bills and other issues affecting the public. These strikes were organized by public action committees, led by leaders from the business community, lawyers, transporters, and other civil society organizations. The objective was to persuade the authorities to reverse price hikes, including the “cruel taxes” in electricity bills.
The AJK Bar Council also supported the strike call and boycotted judicial work. The participants of the protests remained focused on their demands, as seen in the content on their banners and placards. The only flag seen in the rallies and demonstrations was that of AJK.
Rawalakot’s Sit-In Continues
In Rawalakot, where a sit-in on these issues entered its 120th day, people from various walks of life marched through the main artery of the town. Witnesses reported that no obstacles, such as burning tires, were placed on the roads. Sardar Umar Nazir, president of a group of Rawalakot-based traders, declared that consumers would refuse to pay their electricity bills if the government failed to abolish unjust taxes. The future course of action will be decided during a joint meeting of action committees from Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, and Poonch.
Anger at Government’s Failure
Participants expressed their anger at the government’s failure to address their problems. One elderly member of the Rawalakot rally stated, “In a country where some people do not have a morsel of bread and some live a luxurious life at state expense, a bloody revolution is bound to occur… The sooner our privileged classes realize this, the better for them and the country.”
Mirpur Division’s Complete Shutter-Down
In Mirpur, there was a complete shutter-down strike in the lakeside city and its surrounding towns. Demonstrations were held to protest against the increase in power tariff, power outages, non-resolution of the Mangla Dam, and the non-construction of the Rathoa-Haryam Bridge. The District Bar Association (DBA) appealed for the strike. Kamran Tariq, DBA president, declared that consumers in Mirpur would refuse to pay their electricity bills in the future. He warned of unrest if power supply was suspended to households or commercial entities. Tariq emphasized that while the AJK government enjoys cheap rates for electricity, consumers are facing excessive charges. He vowed that around one hundred thousand people will participate in the next phase of protests.
Next Phase of Protests
The next phase of protests will be decided after consulting with representatives of businessmen, lawyers, and civil society from across the state. Protests by the Kashmiri expatriate community in the UK and the US are also planned during this next phase. Notably, a strike and rally were also held in Bhimber, the hometown of AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, despite opposition from a faction of politically affiliated traders.
Electricity Department’s Statement
The AJK electricity department released a statement explaining that the recent increases in consumer tariffs introduced in July have been temporarily withdrawn. The notification implementing the increase has already been suspended, and the bills of all consumers have been corrected according to the previous tariff. Consumers who have already paid their bills without correction will receive an adjustment in their next bills.