At least three people were killed and six others injured as violence erupted in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, during clashes between protesters and paramilitary Rangers. The unrest, sparked by grievances over high wheat flour prices and inflated electricity bills, escalated into a deadly confrontation, according to reports from Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper.
The situation turned violent when paramilitary Rangers, called in to maintain law and order, came under attack as they attempted to leave the area. The convoy, comprising 19 vehicles including five trucks, opted to exit through Kohala instead of Brarkot, a decision that placed them amidst the charged atmosphere near Shorran da Nakka village. Provoked by a barrage of rocks, the Rangers responded with tear gas and gunfire.
Upon entering Muzaffarabad via the Western Bypass, the Rangers encountered further resistance, leading to intensified clashes marked by tear gas and bullets. The report describes the shelling as so intense that it engulfed entire neighborhoods, leaving the community reeling from the aftermath.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s approval of a Pakistani Rs 23 billion subsidy for immediate release failed to quell the unrest. The subsidy, aimed at addressing the protesters’ demands, was met with continued dissatisfaction, fueling further tension in the region.
Saturday’s clashes between police and activists of a rights movement resulted in over 100 injuries, including the death of at least one police officer. A total strike paralyzed the area since Friday, halting all activities and exacerbating the already volatile situation.
Efforts to resolve the crisis through dialogue between Prime Minister Sharif and the region’s leadership yielded limited success. Despite the approved subsidy for wheat and power, protests persisted, with demands for fair electricity pricing and an end to elite privileges taking center stage.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) spearheaded the protests, supported by traders advocating for equitable policies. Their demands led to a long march to Muzaffarabad, further intensifying the standoff between authorities and demonstrators.
In response to the escalating violence, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order while urging all parties to seek peaceful resolutions to their grievances. President Asif Ali Zardari echoed similar sentiments, calling for restraint and dialogue to address the underlying issues.
As tensions continue to simmer, the fate of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains uncertain, with the specter of further violence looming over the region. Efforts to defuse the crisis through diplomacy and dialogue remain paramount as stakeholders navigate the path towards resolution.