• Clashes with law enforcers reported as rallies from various parts of region attempt to converge on Muzaffarabad • Several feared dead, two cops among scores injured • PM Rathore urges a return to talks • Five held from Muzaffarabad on suspicion of ‘ links to foreign agencies ’ MUZAFFARABAD: Parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir ( AJK) remained in the throes of a crippling shutter-down strike on Tuesday, which was punctuated by clashes between law enforcers and supporters of the recently-proscribed Joint Awami Move Committee ( JAAC). The AJK government has issued orders to initiate sedition proceedings against two JAAC figures, and also announced a Rs10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of four of the body leaders. The development underscores the growing complexity of the situation.

Context and History

A broader look at the circumstances reveals why this development is being watched so closely.

The clashes occurred when protesters from different areas of Mirpur division, comprising Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli districts, took out rallies in line with the JAAC ’ s plan, envisaging a long march towards neighbouring Poonch division, en route to Muzaffarabad.

On the outskirts of Mirpur, two policemen and some protesters were injured in a brief clash in Pind Sabharwal village, an official said.

Further developments have shed additional light on the matter. though officials remained tight-lipped, residents and members of the AJK cabinet told Dawn — on condition of anonymity — that several people, including a doctor and a woman, were killed and scores of others wounded in the clashes.

Reactions and Responses

Observers say the significance of what has occurred cannot be understated.

The strike and the ongoing closure of internet and mobile figures services in the region has created it difficult to obtain real-time information from AJK.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, in Muzaffarabad – the ultimate destination of protesters – riot police had taken positions in and outside government buildings and main thoroughfares to meet any eventuality.

Adding further dimension to the story, action against JAAC leaders The AJK government issued orders to initiating sedition proceedings against JAAC leaders Shaukat Nawaz Mir, resident of Muzaffarabad, and Mehran Arshad Khawaja, resident of Mirpur.

Policy Implications

Policymakers, citizens, and institutions will all need to grapple with what comes next.

A notification issued by the AJK Home Department accused both leaders of committing “ sedition through their speeches, written material, videos and audios ”.

In a related development, the government has issued instructions to the Mirpur and Muzaffarabad senior superintendents of police ( SSPs) under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure ( CrPC) to review the available records/materials.

At the same time, “ The president of Azad Jammu Kashmir has been pleased to fix Rs10m reward money to be granted to any person who provides information leading to the successful arrest of the following offenders belonging to the proscribed JAAC, ” said another notification.

Reports further indicate that during interrogation, information provided by one of the detainees led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, including seven automatic weapons, multiple grenades, and other military hardware.

Of particular significance is the fact that i ’ m requesting everyone on daily basis to resolve matters through discussions instead of fire and blood, ” Rathore w

The Road Ahead

What is clear is that this story is not yet over. The coming days and weeks will likely bring additional developments — and additional clarity — on a situation that has already captured significant national attention.