Shutdown Witnessed in AJK for third day as Deadlock Persists
Muzaffarabad: Three policemen, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector, were martyred while nine others sustained injuries when armed members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JKAAC) opened fire on police in Dhirkot, Rawalakot, and Dudyal. A civilian also lost his life, while several others were injured in the crossfire.
According to police sources, Constable Khurshid and Constable Jamil, both hailing from Bagh, and Constable Tahir Rafi from Muzaffarabad, were among those martyred in the deadly assault. The indiscriminate firing by armed protestors marked one of the deadliest attacks on AJK police in recent years.
Meanwhile, Azad Jammu and Kashmir observed a complete shutdown for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, following JKAAC’s call for protest. Markets, government offices, and educational institutions remained closed across Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, and adjoining areas. Public transport services were also largely suspended, bringing routine life to a standstill. Mobile and internet services remain blocked across the region, deepening public difficulties.
Government officials insisted that the majority of JKAAC’s demands had already been addressed. “The government has fulfilled the main demands, yet the JKAAC continues to agitate only to create unrest,” a senior official stated, accusing the group of deliberately inciting chaos in the state.
On Tuesday, Minister for Local Government Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, along with ministers Qasim Majid and Dewan Ali Chughtai, once again extended an invitation to JKAAC leaders for talks to resolve the standoff. However, JKAAC has instead announced a long march towards Muzaffarabad. Security forces have already sealed off major routes leading to the capital, raising fears of a violent confrontation if negotiations fail.
Political observers have expressed concern that the ongoing turmoil in AJK—traditionally regarded as the base camp of the Kashmir freedom struggle—could overshadow the plight of Kashmiris in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They caution that continued violence risks weakening the united Kashmiri cause for self-determination.
