Muzaffarabad (POJK), Oct 4 (NVI) A ‘Black Day’ was observed in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) today to highlight betrayal by the Pakistani regime with regard to the promises made to the people of the region on this day last year.
Meanwhile, Pakistani forces continued their brutality, killing one more protester today in Dadiyal area by firing at him.
The Pakistani regime had made certain commitments under an agreement signed with Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a conglomerate of several non-political local organisations, which is spearheading a movement since last three years.
On October 4 last year, the Pakistan government had signed an agreement with JAAC to address a 32-point charter of demands. That agreement was reached after widespread protests for over a month.
The charter included reduction in electricity tariffs, provision of subsidies on wheat/flour, payment of hydropower royalties, abolition of elite privileges and a series of structural governance reforms.
However, most of the key commitments have not been fulfilled by Pakistan, triggering renewed public outrage and fresh mobilization.
In early May, JAAC leaders met in Mirpur in POJK and issued an ultimatum to the Pakistani regime to implement the agreement by the end of that month, failing which a fresh protest movement would be launched.
Subsequent multiple rounds of talks between JAAC, led by its Convenor Shaukat Nawaz Mir, and representatives of the Pakistan federal government and the PoJK administration failed to produce a breakthrough before the deadline expired.
As a result, JAAC announced on May 31 an indefinite strike beginning June 9.
That mass agitation is continuing round-the-clock.
Angered by the breach of agreement by Pakistan, JAAC today announced a complete lockdown across POJK from today.
During the lockdown, all government and private institutions, business centers, and markets will remain closed, the JAAC leaders announced at a rally in Rawalakot this evening.
It urged the general public is urged to fully comply with the lockdown.
At the rally, the JAAC leaders denounced the “state terrorism” unleashed by the Pakistani regime and vowed to be resilient.
Lakhs of people in attendance chanted slogans like “inquilab layenge” (we will bring revolution). (NVI)
