For all those who are concerned regarding today's situation in Muzaffarabad, let me enlighten you with some of the facts. Agreeing to the main demands of Awami action committee, govt notified the historic reduction in electricity price and flour price.
These notifications of unusual and unprecedented price reduction of utilities and flour were issued at around 2:30pm and mobile/internet services were restored in Muzaffarabad.
Till then, things were normal and govt as well as public observed restraint. Simultaneously, PM convened a meeting of Pak's cabinet which was attended by PM AJK and his cabinet in Islamabad. PM announced a relief package of PKR 2300 crores for AJK.
Despite govt agreeing to all main demands, AAC refused to call off the protest and they surrounded the AJK secretariat and attempted to enter. During the same time, some miscreants in Lohar Gali near Muzaffarabad pelted stones at 2 vehicles belonging to Rangers and torched them.
A DSP of AJK Police was taken hostage by the public in the Muzaffarabad which led to another serious clash between the police and the miscreants. Despite getting the notification, protestors kept marching towards Muzaffarabad. Later, after 6pm protestors started pelting stones on police. There are reports that the Head of AAC, Shaukat Nawaz Mir wanted to call off the protest but the head of Poonch faction of AAC, Umar Nazir, along with JKLF head Toqeer Gillani did not agree to the notifications and advised protestor to March.
Govt exhibited the maximum possible restraint today but there is need to restore the writ of state and to protect the public and private properties and lives from these miscreants at any cost. This madness has to end. May the sanity prevail.