Unrest in AJK again

AZAD Kashmir, rightly considered as a base-camp for the peaceful liberation struggle of Kashmiris, is once again in the grip of unrest, which does not augur well for the cause of Kashmiri people. According to a statement of AJK police, at least four policemen were martyred and 20 others injured after fierce clashes broke out with supporters of the newly-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot on Sunday. It accused demonstrators of attacking CMH Rawalakot, maintaining that the men had been shot by firearms and shotguns, terming it outright “terrorism” and vowing not to compromise on the safety of citizens and public peace. Additionally, officials said that at least two people from among the protesters had lost their lives, while dozens were said to be injured. Barring a tangible move to resolve the differences through discussions and dialogue, the situation is bound to escalate further as the banned organization is persisting with its plans for a protest campaign and statements of governmental leaders in Azad Kashmir and Pakistan convey a firm message of upholding the writ of the state in the face of what they describe as black-mailing tactics by the banned outfit, accusing it of advancing the cause of the enemy. Similar protests were held last year as well in which precious lives were lost but in the end sanity prevailed and the issues were sorted out by signing of an agreement in October 2025. As per version of the Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, JAAC was seeking to create unrest despite acceptance of most of its demands by the Government. A monitoring committee had also been formed to ensure implementation of all agreed points, he said, adding that the government implemented all clauses of its agreement reached with the group. The implemented parts of the understanding include provision of electricity at the highly discounted price of Rs. 3 a unit and subsidy on wheat flour and other essential commodities. Practical step