POK: Business establishments did not open and normal life was affected during the strike organized in protest against police action in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). During this period, clashes were also seen between security forces and protesters. After the protesters started pelting stones, the police fired tear gas shells. This is not the first time that people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have raised their voice against the Pakistani government. Even before this, such protests have been seen in PoK.
Police fired tear gas shells
According to the news of ‘Dawn’ newspaper, on the call of ‘Jammu-Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee’ (JKJAAC), there was closure of work and traffic jam in Muzaffarabad of Pakistan occupied Kashmir. During this strike, the police released tear gas shells after the protesters pelted stones with their charades, due to which people living in houses and mosques were also affected. Protests took place in Samhani, Sehansa, Mirpur, Rawalkot, Khuiratta, Tattapani, Hattian Bala of PoK.
Flour prices increased, people on the streets
JKJAC had called for the bandh on Friday after several of its leaders and workers were arrested by the police in overnight raids in different parts of Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. JKJAAC had last month announced that people from across the state would march towards Muzaffarabad on May 11. People associated with the Public Action Committee are protesting against the taxes imposed on electricity bills and the continuously increasing prices of flour. A similar strike was organized in August last year also.