2024 Azad Kashmir demonstrations
Markets, commercial centres, offices and schools and restaurants remained closed due to AAC’s call for a state-wide shutdown and wheel jam strike against the hike in electricity rates and taxes.
There was heavy police presence on all routes leading to Madina Market, where the AAC organized a reception for the participants of the long march.
Roads leading to Muzaffarabad were barricaded on the Srinagar highway while heavy police presence remained on the road.
The day began with a large number of participants from Bhimbar, Mirpur and Kotli marching in groups towards Muzaffarabad.
The protest near Mirpur’s Islamgarh turned violent when protesters tried to block the road and opened fire on the police, resulting in ASI Adnan Qureshi being shot in the chest.
The policeman succumbed to his injuries after being shifted to the hospital while three protesters were also seriously injured.
Meanwhile, several other police personnel and protesters were also injured in Kotli during police shelling of tear gas and stone pelting by protesters. Violent protesters damaged several vehicles including the Magistrate’s vehicle on Poonch Kotli Road.
Earlier, reports of clashes were also received from Shah Sultan Bridge, Tanga Stand and Aziz Chowk in Muzaffarabad.
Police launched a crackdown on protesters after the violence, arresting dozens of people in the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
On Friday, more than 40 people including 11 policemen were injured as a result of stone pelting and clashes.
In view of the AAC’s protest, the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir banned public gatherings, rallies and processions in all districts, imposing Section 144 in the entire region.