Shutter Down Strike in Azad Kashmir: Businesses, Transport, Schools Closed – What’s the Cause?
Muzaffarabad: A shutter down and wheel-jam strike is underway across Azad Kashmir today, with business centers, public transport, and markets shut down since morning. The strike has been called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in protest against the presidential ordinance.
All business centers in the region are closed, while public transport services are suspended. In Muzaffarabad city, bakeries and restaurants are also closed, and private educational institutions are shut. Attendance in government schools is notably low. The strike is also affecting areas like Hattian Bala, Chinari, and Chakothi, where markets remain closed.
The JAC has announced an indefinite shutdown until the presidential ordinance is revoked. On the other hand, some groups of traders and transporters, reportedly influenced by the government, have distanced themselves from the strike, and there are growing concerns of clashes between the protesters and those defying the strike.
To counter the strike and maintain law and order, the government has made all necessary preparations. Civil servants have been instructed to report to their offices, and both public and private educational institutions are expected to remain open. Hospitals have been instructed to keep their staff available.
JAC leader Shokat Nawaz Mir appealed to citizens, traders, and transporters to support the strike to make it a success. He stated that the protest is aimed at restoring subsidies on flour and electricity and ensuring citizens’ right to protest and freedom of expression.
In response, the government, after the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend the presidential ordinance, has called the strike unnecessary. Prime Minister Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, reiterated that the government has no intention of ending subsidies on flour and electricity bills. He further mentioned that a broad-based committee has been formed to address concerns regarding the Peaceful Assembly Public Order Ordinance.
