Jhelum Valley District Gripped by Protests: Demonstrations Persist Despite Restrictions

Jhelum Valley: The Jhelum Valley district in Jammu and Kashmir continues to be engulfed in unrest as protests orchestrated by the Joint Action Committee persist for the second consecutive day.

Despite the imposition of Section 144, the district headquarters in Hattian Bala witnessed a massive gathering of traders and civil society representatives protesting against government policies.

In a remarkable display of solidarity, traders and individuals from various walks of life staged a sit-in protest in Channari for over two hours, demonstrating their concerns about the prevailing situation. The atmosphere in Jhelum Valley remains charged, with the government and Prime Minister being the targets of criticism, while slogans in support of the Joint Action Committee echo through the streets.

The unrest has disrupted normal life across the district, with markets in Hattian Bala, Chakothi, Channari, Goojar Bandi, and Khilana Valley observing complete shutdowns and trade unions continuing their strike actions. The largest rally in the district was organized in Hattian Bala, spearheaded by prominent political figures including former MLA Liaquat Ali Awan, youth leaders Ovais Khan and Timur Beg, and Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Kiyani of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.

The protest intensifies as traders and civil society leaders from Channari announce a march towards Muzaffarabad at 11 AM on Sunday. However, authorities have blocked the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road near Seringar, preventing the procession from advancing and causing inconvenience to ambulances and patients trying to reach hospitals.

The demonstrators expressed strong resentment against the government’s failure to address the soaring prices of essential commodities and the ongoing electricity crisis. They chanted slogans condemning the government’s incompetence and demanded immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the people.

In a defiant stance, the organizers reiterated their commitment to peaceful protest and vowed to continue their struggle until their demands, outlined in their charter of demands, are met. They warned the government against resorting to any coercive measures, emphasizing that such actions would only exacerbate the situation.

As tensions escalate, calls for the resignation of the Prime Minister and a change in government policies grow louder. Opposition leader Khawaja Farooq and former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan are urged to step forward and support the movement for the greater good of the people.

The ongoing protests in Jhelum Valley underscore the deep-seated discontent among the populace and their determination to fight for their rights. The government’s response to this wave of dissent will likely shape the future trajectory of the region.