AJK Government Declares Local Holiday In Muzaffarabad

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has declared a local holiday in the capital, Muzaffarabad, on Monday amidst ongoing strikes and protests.A notification issued in this regard stated that May 13 (Monday) would be observed as a holiday in all government and private institutions in Muzaffarabad.

As protesters failed to reach an agreement with the government, leading to the protest movement, internet services remained suspended.In Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions, major business centers remained closed, and public transportation services were suspended.

Read more: AJK Government Concedes Protester Demands After Clashes

The decision to organize a protest march on the state capital followed unsuccessful talks between the JAAC core committee and AJK Chief Secretary Dawood Bareach in Rawalakot. A protest leader accused the government of employing evasive tactics.

The AJK protests are calling for a reduction in electricity tariffs due to electricity production from the Mangla Hydropower Project, a wheat subsidy similar to that in Gilgit-Baltistan, and an end to the unnecessary perks and privileges of the ruling class and officials.