In Pakistan Administered Kashmir, protests continued for the fifth consecutive day on Tuesday, as people are trying to take out a long March towards Muzaffarabad.
Thousands of demonstrators are marching the streets of Neelam and Bhimber to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s reduced flour allotment and unabated cutting of trees, and various other grievances.
According to the Pakistani government, the protests have resulted in the deaths of at least two policemen and injuries to several others. However, the protesters have accused Pakistani rangers of killing multiple demonstrators.
Protests have spread across various regions of Neelum, Rawalkot, and Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Dadyal, Bagh.
Despite several rounds of negotiations between the protesters and the Pakistani government, no agreement has been reached thus far.
Earlier, the Pakistani Army was called in to address the protests, which reportedly involved damage to public property, as per reports from Pakistani media.
The protesters led by Awami Action committee, a body formed seven months ago, have raised seven key demands which includes the increase in flour allotment to the region, cutting down of electricity charges, roll back of property tax.
“The electricity tariff should be fixed according to the cost of production of electricity generated from Mangala Hydropower Project in Kashmir,” read a memorandum submitted by the protesters to the government of Pakistan Administered Kashmir.
“The government expenditure should be reduced, ban on student unions should be removed, Kashmir Bank should be scheduled, Property transfer tax should be reduced in Kashmir. – Accountability Bureau should be formed in Kashmir and the cutting of green trees should be banned immediately,” read the demand list.
So far, the negotiations between the government and protesters have failed and the situation continues to remain tense.
The failed negotiations have promoted the Awami Action committee leaders to continue the Long March, Wheel Jam and a general strike in the region.
As per locals, internet has been shut in Bhimber, and mobile phone service suspended along with internet in Bagh and Mirpur.