A police sub-inspector was killed in clash between protestors and the law enforcers during a strike in Muzaffarabad on Saturday.
According to a report, a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike was observed in the city, seeking cheaper electricity and flour prices in the region. The strike call was given by People’s Action Committee.
Heavy contingents of police were deployed on the roads leading to Madina Market. During the clash, a police sub-inspector named Adnan Qureshi sustained bullet wounds and later succumbed to injuries
Tensions escalated in Muzaffarabad as clashes between protestors and police erupted for the second consecutive day.
The protestors, responding to the call by the Joint Awami Action Committee, took to the streets, expressing their anger over heavy police deployment around the planned gathering site at Medina Market.
Incidents of stone-pelting were reported in various areas of the city, including Tonga Stand, Aziz Chowk, and Shah Sultan, as protestors clashed with law enforcement personnel. In response, police fired teargas shells to disperse the crowds.
The strike, called by the action committee, resulted in the closure of educational institutions, offices, and businesses across Muzaffarabad, rendering the roads deserted.
Amidst the unrest, allegations of police raids and torture on innocent civilians have surfaced, further exacerbating the volatile situation. A committee member warned that such tactics could fuel more violence among the youth.
Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Janjua addressed the media, reporting that 28 individuals were arrested for their involvement in the clashes. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order while assuring the public of measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
The protests stem from demands for cheaper flour and electricity, highlighting underlying grievances within the community.
As tensions persist, authorities urge cooperation from the public in identifying troublemakers, while efforts are underway to implement Section 144 and restore normalcy to the region’s roads.
The situation remains fluid as both protestors and authorities navigate the complex dynamics of the ongoing unrest in Muzaffarabad.