AJK Protests Against Taxes Result In Officer’s Death

In Mirpur, tensions heightened between police and Awami Action Committee (AAC) demonstrators during the second day of protests against escalating electricity bills and taxes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), leading to the unfortunate death of a police officer.

In response to AAC’s call for a widespread strike against the surge in electricity prices and taxes, markets, trade centers, offices, schools, and restaurants closed across AJK.A significant police presence was deployed along routes to Madina Market, where AAC had organized a reception for participants of a lengthy march. Roadblocks were placed on routes to Muzaffarabad at Shahrah-e-Srinagar, with heavy police presence in the area.

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Large groups from Bhimbar, Mirpur, and Kotli marched toward Muzaffarabad, but clashes occurred near Islam Garh when police and marchers clashed. Protesters allegedly fired at police trying to block their path, resulting in the tragic shooting of Mirpur Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Adnan Qureshi.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, the ASI succumbed to his injuries, while three protesters suffered severe wounds.

In Kotli, several officers and demonstrators were injured during police teargas operations and protester-led stone pelting. Violent protesters damaged several vehicles, including a magistrate’s car on the Poonch-Kotli road.

Previously, clashes had occurred at Shah Sultan Bridge, Tanga stand, and Aziz Chowk in Muzaffarabad.

In response to the violence, police initiated a crackdown, apprehending numerous individuals in AJK’s capital.

The AJK government had imposed bans on public assemblies, rallies, and processions across all districts, with Section 144 imposed throughout the region, in reaction to AAC protests.