Partial strike persists across AJK as JAAC sit-ins continue

Though no untoward incident had been reported until evening, disruption of mobile phone services in Rawalakot after 8:30pm hindered the only means of ascertaining information about the latest situation in the ‘embattled’ town. According to official sources and witnesses, participants in the gathering at Eidgah Ground had also dispersed during a downpour in the early hours of Saturday to relieve themselves and have breakfast in adjacent areas, either in their own homes or those of their local hosts, as they had done a day earlier. However, around 400 youngsters stayed behind to avoid the risk of the ground being taken over by law enforcement personnel. After 5pm, protesters began returning to the venue and their number continued to swell. According to witnesses, a sizeable number of women also remained at the ground until sunset. Witnesses said JAAC core members were likely to address the crowd later in the night. On Saturday, most towns in Muzaffar­abad Division and other parts of AJK observed a shutdown amid the continued suspension of public transport for the fifth consecutive day. There were also re­­ports of partial strikes in Mirpur Division. Reports also said the administration had tightened the noose around key JAAC activists and supporters by seizing the businesses of many of them across the state. In Muzaffarabad, police also raided and allegedly ransacked a men’s hostel in an attempt to arrest its owner, Sohaib Javed, a key JAAC member, but could not find him. Also on Saturday,