Police Officer Islamgarh Mirpur killed in result of firing during the protest in Azad Kashmir

MUZAFFARABAD, May 11 (SABAH): The ongoing movement against heavy electricity bills and inflation in Azad Kashmir is converting into violent movement. One police officer was killed in result of firing in Thothal Mirpur during the shutter down and wheel-jam strike.

Additional Station House Officer, Police Station Thothal Mirpur Adnan Farooq Qureshi killed in the result of the firing near Islamgarh. Adnan Qureshi received bullet in his chest. Several police personnel were also injured in the result of the firing. Azad Kashmir government has confirmed the death of Sub-Inspector Adnan Qureshi in Islamgarh.

On the other hand the protesters have started the march towards Muzaffarabad from Mirpur Division. The administration has installed barricades on the central roads of Mirpur to stop the march from moving forward. The ongoing protest from the platform of Jammu Kashmir Joint Action Committee intensified on Thursday when police and protesters clashed in Dadial sub-district of Mirpur. The protesters were protesting for the release of the arrested leaders of the Awami Action Committee. After this the Joint Awami Action Committee on the same night announced complete shutter down and wheel-jam strike in all the districts. Complete lockdown was observed in most of the cities of Azad Kashmir and clashes between the protesters and police continued late night. The protesters pelted stones on the police; meanwhile police used teargas to disperse the protesters.

On the other hand the Spokesperson of the Azad Kashmir Government and Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan has said that the peaceful protest is the right of the masses but whosoever will take law in hands he will be dealt strictly by the State. Information Department has also issued a video message of Abdul Majid Khan in which he has invited Awami Action Committee to resolve the problems through dialogues. 

Meanwhile President Pakistan People’s Party Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin while talking to different delegations has said that the situation in Azad Kashmir is critical, adding that both parties are moving towards confrontation, adding that the results of which will be dangerous for both parties. He said that the government should reconsider the demands of the Awami Action Committee and should bring out the masses from the current situation. He said that Awami Action Committee also should not make it the problem of ego and matters should be taken towards resolution.