40 injured as protesters clash with police in AJK

MUZAFFARABAD: More than 40 people, including 11 policemen, were injured as a result of stone pelting and clashes.

Life came to a halt on the call of Awami Action Committee across Azad Kashmir. Commercial centers were closed and a large number of tourists were stuck in Muzaffarabad Neelum, Lipa and Rawalkot due to traffic jams in the valley for the second day. Examinations were cancelled, medical stores, hotels, vegetable, fruit and bakery shops closed.

The Public Action Committee has called for a shutdown and wheel-jam strike on May 11. The government of Azad Kashmir has banned public gatherings, rallies, and processions in all districts. Section 144 has been imposed. The exams of Azad Kashmir Education Board and Public Service Commission have been cancelled.

The government of Azad Kashmir has also called for a heavy contingent of FC and PC to stop the protest. Home Minister Colonel (Retired) Waqar Ahmed Noor said that it is the responsibility of the government to protect the lives and property of the people and the government has full capacity to fulfill its responsibility. “A state officer was held hostage for four hours today and an official vehicle was burnt in Didyal. Limited action was taken there only to maintain peace and order,” he added. Meanwhile, miscreants picked up a shell and threw it at a nearby school. It was propagated that a school girl had died but no such incident happened, he added. To a question, the Home Minister said that around 70 people, who had tried to disturb public order, were arrested and those who gave an assurance that they would not be part of any disturbance were released.