2024 Azad Kashmir protests: Difference between revisions
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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{{Original research section|date=May 2024}} |
{{Original research section|date=May 2024}} |
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[[Azad Kashmir]] (also called Azad Jammu and Kashmir, AJK) is a disputed region between Pakistan and India as part of the larger Kashmir Dispute. [[Azad Kashmir]] was liberated by Pakistani Forces in the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1947–1948|First Kashmir War]] after the [[Karachi Agreement (Azad Kashmir)|Karachi Agreement]] was reached to provide Kashmir a separate self-government rather than as another [[Administrative units of Pakistan|province]]. Kashmir was provided autonomy with its own [[Azad Kashmir Regular Force|Armed Forces]], [[Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir|Prime Minister]], and [[President of Azad Kashmir|President]]. Overtime the Autonomy of Kashmir and other regions was slowly eroded or revoked.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://contendingmodernities.nd.edu/global-currents/kashmirspecialstatus/ | title=What is so Special about Kashmir's Special Status? | date=12 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/8/5/kashmiris-in-india-are-still-suffering | title=Kashmiris in India are still suffering }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450420/where-the-kashmiris-should-go-from-here | title=Where the Kashmiris should go from here | date=19 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1193315 | title=AJK opposes giving provincial status to GB | date=9 July 2015 }}</ref> |
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=== Historical Development of AJK === |
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Generally, the region experienced stability except for the [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]] in the 1980s in [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian-administered Kashmir]], during which rebels flocked to [[Azad Kashmir]] to use as bases resulting in several [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|cross border strikes]]. |
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[[Azad Kashmir]] (also called Azad Jammu and Kashmir, AJK, AJ&K) is a [[Territorial dispute|disputed region]] between [[Pakistan]] and [[India]] as part of the larger [[Kashmir conflict|Kashmir Dispute]]. In 1948 the princely [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|State of Jammu and Kashmir]] was divided into respective [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian]] and [[Azad Kashmir|Pakistani]] administered territories following the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1947–1948|First Indo-Pak War]].<ref>{{cite web |date=12 November 2019 |title=What is so Special about Kashmir's Special Status? |url=https://contendingmodernities.nd.edu/global-currents/kashmirspecialstatus/}}</ref> The Provisional State of ''Azad'' (Free) Jammu and Kashmir was created on 24 October 1947 when a group of rebels (the 'Azad Army') announced its formation in the southwestern areas of J&K. This came after the growth of socio-political tensions between the [[Dogra dynasty|Dogra Maharaja of Kashmir]], [[Hari Singh]] and the Muslim (mainly [[History of Poonch District|Poonchi]]) population and the [[Partition of India|spillover from neighboring Punjab]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |title=Kashmir: history, politics, representation |date=2018 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-40210-1 |editor-last=Zutshi |editor-first=Chitralekha |location=Cambridge New York NY Port Melbourne New Delhi Singapore}}</ref>{{Rp|pages=116-117}} The Azad Army numbered some 50,000 men, which included many ex-servicemen of the [[World War II|Second World War]], while the [[All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference|All J&K Muslim Conference]] allied with the [[All-India Muslim League|Muslim League]] organized a "war council." Attempts by the Maharaja to repress the uprising failed as more began to take up arms, as [[History of Poonch District|Poonch]] and parts of neighboring [[Mirpur District|Mirpur]] and [[Muzaffarabad District|Muzaffarabad districts]] were lost. On 22 October, 1947 [[Pashtuns|Pukhtoon]] tribesmen invaded Kashmir, which supported the hold of anti-Maharaja forces in 'freed' areas. Sardar Ibrahim and Azad Army forces supported the invasion and compelled Muslim forces of the J&K army in Domel to mutiny. Two days later [[Sardar Ibrahim Khan]] declared the formation of Azad Kashmir. These actions provoked Maharaja Hari Singh's [[Instrument of Accession (Jammu and Kashmir)|accession to India]] on 26 October. After this the [[Indian Army]] arrived in J&K, opposing the Azad Army, Pukhtoon forces, and Gilgitis, then later Baltis and from May 1948 the [[Pakistan Army]] until the 1949 ceasefire.<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|pages=117-118}} |
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The new state of Azad Kashmir came to rely heavily on the Pakistani state for support, it intially lacked any urban capital thus areas such as [[Murree]] and [[Rawalpindi]], with their army cantonments and accessibility were important. To show the 'indigenous' character of the movement, Azad Kashmiris moved their capital to the thick forests around [[Pallandri Tehsil|Palandri]], and then to the even thicker forests at [[Tarar Khel Tehsil|Trarkhel]], until in 1949 when the 'war-battered' [[Muzaffarabad]] became capital.<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|page=118}} Despite having motivated personnel who operated in familiar environments amongst a supportive population in 1947 there was a lack of educated personnel, especially administrators, in addition to a lack of resources and finance. Pakistan and its army partially alleviated such problems by granting resources and "lending" its own officials as bureaucrats. [[Christopher Snedden]] writes that compared to [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Indian-administered Kashmir]], "Azad Kashmir detrimentally became known as a ‘local authority’ with limited power, control and influence, and heavily overseen by Pakistan."<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|pages=118-119}} Due to the requirements of the scheduled UN plebiscite Pakistan decided to 'administer' its two areas of J&K until the plebiscite determined their status rather than fully and legally incorporating them into Pakistan. Making Azad Kashmir and [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] ''de facto'', but not ''de jure'' part of Pakistan. Christopher Snedden adds "Azad Kashmiris quickly, and willingly, accepted the ‘demotion’ of their region, plus more. This was what was required for J&K to join Pakistan," further remarking "Azad Kashmiris enjoyed considerable autonomy." However this state of affairs began to change after the Pakistani Army's official arrival into AJK bringing the Azad Army under its control, subsuming parts of it and disbanding the remainder following the 1949 ceasefire, ending the Kashmiri ability to pursue 'liberation' by itself. Nevertheless, Azad Kashmiris continued to call their region the ‘base camp to liberate [Indian] J&K.' The Pakistani Army even suppressed Azad Kashmiris following uprising in 1950 and 1955 over the sacking of Sardar Ibrahim Khan, heavy-handedness and a lack of a plebiscite. Realizing the issue had become more complex, the Government of Pakistan established the [[Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan|Ministry of Kashmir Affairs]] (MKA) in Rawalpindi.<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|pages=119-120}} Later becoming the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (MKANA) with the addition of [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] to its purview.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book |last=Mato Bouzas |first=Antía |title=Kashmir as a borderland: the politics of space and belonging across the line of control |date=2019 |publisher=Amsterdam University Press |isbn=978-90-485-4399-1 |series=Asian borderlands |location=Amsterdam}}</ref>{{Rp|page=52}} |
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A radical change was occurring in Pakistan, which resulted in [[Imran Khan]] and his [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf|PTI]] party gaining power on a [[2018 Pakistani general election|mandate]] of the populace to eradicate [[Corruption in Pakistan|corruption]];<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/24/why-have-dozens-of-leaders-quit-imran-khans-party-in-pakistan | title='Forced divorce': Leaders leaving Imran Khan party amid crackdown }}</ref> Like all [[Administrative units of Pakistan|provinces]] and [[Gilgit-Baltistan|territories]] in Pakistan, Imran Khan's PTI gained landslide victory in [[2021 Azad Kashmiri general election|elections]] of Azad Kashmir and has been in [[Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly|Government]] since 2021. Due to conflict between Khan and the military on matters such as the [[Pakistani economic crisis (2022–present)|collapsing economy]], a [[No-confidence motion against Imran Khan|no-confidence motion]] was brought in against Imran Khan, resulting in his removal from office. Imran Khan started mass [[2022 Azadi March I|demonstrations]] against his ouster, which were mostly backed by a populace although his support was [[2022 Azadi March II|waning]] due to his economic policies. |
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Antía Mato Bouzas writes, "Pakistan’s dealings with the Kashmir areas under its control, known at present as [[Gilgit-Baltistan]] and [[Azad Kashmir|AJK]], have revolved around two contradictory issues: the need to administer the territories already held, while at the same time persisting in the claim to the whole princely state." This led to the upholding of the colonial status-quo in Gilgit Baltistan, which was ruled under the [[Frontier Crimes Regulation]] (FRC) until the 1970s, and less-so in AJK, recognized as a federal territory with its own constitution and semi-autonomous state. Under [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]], Gilgit-Baltistan was granted limited-self-administration, the judicial and tax powers of local rulers were removed, and the 'Subject Rule' which legally bound individuals as subjects of the princely state was suppressed, signaling a change from the commitment to the previous status-quo. However, the right to appeal to the [[High courts of Pakistan|High Court of Pakistan]] and participating in general elections did not materialize.<ref name=":9" />{{Rp|pages=51-53}} Overtime Gilgit-Baltistan was granted greater degrees of autonomy, with its own regional government and administration,<ref name=":9" />{{Rp|page=54}} culminating in the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self Governance) Order of 2009, which granted turned its Legislative Council into the [[Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly]], created the [[Gilgit-Baltistan Council]] and created the office of [[Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan]] elected by the Assembly.<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|page=142}} |
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Across Pakistan [[2023 Pakistani protests|rallies]] were held to support Imran Khan due to his popularity and Khan also received support from Kashmiris from Azad Kashmir. Khan's prominence wasn't to last much longer as hundreds of cases were registered against him and he was [[2023 Pakistani protests|arrested]] which caused [[May 9 riots|riots]] in Pakistan subsequently the [[Government of Pakistan|Government]] and [[Pakistani Intelligence community|Intelligence]] dismantled his political party while he surrendered to authorities to face the courts. |
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The [[Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan|Ministry of Kashmir Affairs]] (MKA) in April 1949 formulated the 'Heads of Agreement' policy between M. A. Gurmani (head of the MKA), [[President of Azad Kashmir|Azad Kashmir's President]] [[Sardar Ibrahim Khan|Sardar Ibrahim]] and [[All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference|Muslim Conference]] President, Ghulam Abbas. This agreement delineated the responsibilities of the respective parties.<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|page=120}} Danish Khan describes the Muslim Conference period as a time when the conference remained "engrossed in discourse of Kashmir conflict rather than prioritising the arduous task of institution-building for indigenous/local socio-economic development."<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-14 |title=Understanding The Protest Movement In Azad Jammu & Kashmir |url=https://thefridaytimes.com/14-May-2024/understanding-the-protest-movement-in-azad-jammu-kashmir |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=The Friday Times |language=en}}</ref> "Azad Kashmiris disliked, but endured, MKA officials’ often tardy treatment of them as this was the price to pay to join Pakistan. Equally, Karachi was distant, India was totally unattractive and there were no other options," asserts Snedden.<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|page=120}} In 1970, [[Yahya Khan|Yahya Khan's]] military administration promulgated a 'rudimentary' constitution, 'The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government Act, 1970' which provided AJK a presidential system, an elected legislative assembly and 'considerable' autonomy. Snedden refers to it as having "delivered the most autonomy ever enjoyed by this region – or by any region in J&K." The central government only controlling foreign affairs, defence and currency, while the MKA was sidelined.<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|page=121}} [[Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]], then Prime-Minister of Pakistan, with some local support imposed the 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act, 1974’ (Interim till the Kashmir dispute was resolved with India). It allowed AJK a directly elected [[Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly|AJK Legislative Assembly]], and a smaller indirectly elected [[Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council]] in Islamabad. This arrangement reduced the power of the MKA, however Snedden referred to it as a "diminution."<ref name=":8" />{{Rp|pages=121-122}} Danish Khan in ''[[The Friday Times]]'' characterizes this development as providing "an avenue for citizens to draw attention from political elites towards immediate socio-economic and developmental concerns such as access to basic infrastructure and public goods," further stating "while public sector investments in infrastructure and social sectors have shown relative improvements over the years, the overarching narrative in the political sphere, spanning across party lines, remains heavily focused on the Jammu & Kashmir conflict rather than indigenous socio-economic development."<ref name=":10" /> |
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⚫ | Meanwhile, protests were occurring in Azad Kashmir and [[2023–2024 Gilgit-Baltistan protests|Gilgit Baltistan]] as well as several other regions across Pakistan for relief due to massive inflation and high food prices coupled with huge electricity bills.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Photos: Protests across Pakistan against high electricity bills |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/8/30/photos-protests-across-pakistan-against-high-electricity-bills |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> At the same time other movements across Pakistan were occurring such as demands for [[Baloch Long March|missing person investigations]] and [[PTM public gatherings|Pashtun rights]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan: Pashtun activists plan to indefinitely block M-9 highway at the Sohrab Goth, Karachi, from Aug. 11 |url=https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/08/pakistan-pashtun-activists-plan-to-indefinitely-block-m-9-highway-at-the-sohrab-goth-karachi-from-aug-11 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Pakistan: Pashtun activists plan to indefinitely block M-9 highway at the Sohrab Goth, Karachi, from Aug. 11 {{!}} Crisis24 |language=en}}</ref> Pakistan was going in a tough time with [[2022 Pakistan floods|floods]] and [[2023 Pakistani protests|political instability]] |
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=== Recent Developments === |
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⚫ | Meanwhile, protests were occurring in Azad Kashmir and [[2023–2024 Gilgit-Baltistan protests|Gilgit Baltistan]] as well as several other regions across Pakistan for relief due to massive inflation and high food prices coupled with huge electricity bills.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Photos: Protests across Pakistan against high electricity bills |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/8/30/photos-protests-across-pakistan-against-high-electricity-bills |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> At the same time other movements across Pakistan were occurring such as demands for [[Baloch Long March|missing person investigations]] and [[PTM public gatherings|Pashtun rights]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan: Pashtun activists plan to indefinitely block M-9 highway at the Sohrab Goth, Karachi, from Aug. 11 |url=https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2023/08/pakistan-pashtun-activists-plan-to-indefinitely-block-m-9-highway-at-the-sohrab-goth-karachi-from-aug-11 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Pakistan: Pashtun activists plan to indefinitely block M-9 highway at the Sohrab Goth, Karachi, from Aug. 11 {{!}} Crisis24 |language=en}}</ref> Pakistan was going in a tough time with [[2022 Pakistan floods|floods]] and [[2023 Pakistani protests|political instability]] combined with [[Terrorist incidents in Pakistan in 2022|insurgencies]] [[Terrorist incidents in Pakistan in 2023|intensifying]]. Pakistan's elections were planned for [[2024 Pakistani general election|February]] and this would play a key role as It is believed, with some evidence, that Pakistan's elections were rigged by the government agencies which contributed to a divided electoral result with [[Pakistan People's Party|PPP]] taking Sindh, [[Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan|MQM]] [[2024 Sindh provincial election|taking Karachi]], [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)|PML-N]] [[2024 Punjab provincial election|takeover of Punjab]], [[2024 Balochistan provincial election|Fractured Balochistan]] and [[Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf|PTI]] gaining total victories in [[2024 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial election|KPK]] while also controlling [[Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly|Gilgit-Baltistan]] and [[Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly|Azad Kashmir]] from early elections. In the Federal, A [[Coalition government|coalition]] of [[Pakistan People's Party|PPP]], [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)|PML-N]], [[Pakistan Muslim League (Q)|PML-Q]], [[Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan|MQM-P]] and independent candidates formed a government with [[Second Shehbaz Sharif ministry|Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister]] and [[Asif Ali Zardari|Asif Ali Zardari as President]]. Due to the evidence of rigging, protests were organized by various political parties and violence also occurred such as the one on 9 February, when two PTI workers were killed and 24 others were injured in demonstrations against electoral fraud in [[Shangla District]], Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Presse |first=AFP-Agence France |title=Two Killed In Election Unrest In Northwest Pakistan: Police |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/two-killed-in-election-unrest-in-northwest-pakistan-police-2dd52617 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.barrons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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===Protests in Azad Kashmir=== |
===Protests in Azad Kashmir=== |
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A meeting was held between Prime Minister [[Shehbaz Sharif]], President [[Asif Ali Zardari]], [[Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry]], and [[Chaudhry Anwarul Haq]], and over the escalating tensions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |title=35 cops injured in Kotli: President Zardari takes notice, calls meeting in President's House today |url=https://www.24newshd.tv/12-May-2024/35-cops-injured-in-kotli-president-zardari-takes-notice-calls-meeting-in-president-s-house-today |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.24newshd.tv |language=en}}</ref> |
A meeting was held between Prime Minister [[Shehbaz Sharif]], President [[Asif Ali Zardari]], [[Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry]], and [[Chaudhry Anwarul Haq]], and over the escalating tensions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |title=35 cops injured in Kotli: President Zardari takes notice, calls meeting in President's House today |url=https://www.24newshd.tv/12-May-2024/35-cops-injured-in-kotli-president-zardari-takes-notice-calls-meeting-in-president-s-house-today |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.24newshd.tv |language=en}}</ref> |
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Reports of Rangers in Poonch and Muzaffarabad |
Reports of Rangers in Poonch and Muzaffarabad emerged, and it was reported some 1300 had been deployed. Mobile phone and internet services were suspended in different parts of AJK today including Bhimber and Bagh Towns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rangers called in as protests against inflation enter 3rd day in AJK |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1188169-inflation-protests-ajk-pm-says-agreement-reached-with-aac |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=www.thenews.com.pk |language=en}}</ref> |
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JAAC leaders responded to the violence by condemning it and advising its protestors to not go into anti Pakistan rhetoric nor to use violence but rather be peaceful, the leaders also said that they are Pakistanis and "love Pakistan more than anyone else".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Naqash |first=Tariq |date=2024-05-12 |title=Situation in AJK calms down after 2 days of violent clashes |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1833056 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> |
JAAC leaders responded to the violence by condemning it and advising its protestors to not go into anti Pakistan rhetoric nor to use violence but rather be peaceful, the leaders also said that they are Pakistanis and "love Pakistan more than anyone else".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Naqash |first=Tariq |date=2024-05-12 |title=Situation in AJK calms down after 2 days of violent clashes |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1833056 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref> |
Revision as of 16:52, 15 May 2024
2024 Azad Kashmir Protests/Violence | |||
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Date | 8 May 2024 - 14 May 2024 (6 days) | ||
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Resulted in | Government accept all of protestors’ demands[1][2]
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The 2024 Azad Kashmir demonstrations were a series of six day long protests, sit-ins, shutter-downs, demonstrations and wheel-jam strikes starting on 8 May against the Federal Government of Pakistan and the Government of Azad Kashmir, calling for lower prices for wheat, flour, and electricity, in addition to other demands. Many of the protests were organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Azad Kashmir, representing a variety of interests including traders, transporters, lawyers and students.[14][15][16] The government attempted to preempt a planned demonstration on 12 May by arresting the movement's leaders, which inflamed protests and led to deadly clashes.[17] The protests were the culmination of a year-long movement against price rises and perceived injustices towards Azad Kashmir.[18][19] The Federal government announced a Rs23 Billion ($82,685,321) grant to Azad Kashmir, which led to subsidized utility rates and wheat prices being announced on May 13, by the Prime Minister of AJK, Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq.[20] On May 14, the JAAC called off the protests, announcing a ‘historic win’ as the government agreed to all demands.[21]
Background
![]() | This section possibly contains original research. (May 2024) |
Historical Development of AJK
Azad Kashmir (also called Azad Jammu and Kashmir, AJK, AJ&K) is a disputed region between Pakistan and India as part of the larger Kashmir Dispute. In 1948 the princely State of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into respective Indian and Pakistani administered territories following the First Indo-Pak War.[22] The Provisional State of Azad (Free) Jammu and Kashmir was created on 24 October 1947 when a group of rebels (the 'Azad Army') announced its formation in the southwestern areas of J&K. This came after the growth of socio-political tensions between the Dogra Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh and the Muslim (mainly Poonchi) population and the spillover from neighboring Punjab.[23]: 116–117 The Azad Army numbered some 50,000 men, which included many ex-servicemen of the Second World War, while the All J&K Muslim Conference allied with the Muslim League organized a "war council." Attempts by the Maharaja to repress the uprising failed as more began to take up arms, as Poonch and parts of neighboring Mirpur and Muzaffarabad districts were lost. On 22 October, 1947 Pukhtoon tribesmen invaded Kashmir, which supported the hold of anti-Maharaja forces in 'freed' areas. Sardar Ibrahim and Azad Army forces supported the invasion and compelled Muslim forces of the J&K army in Domel to mutiny. Two days later Sardar Ibrahim Khan declared the formation of Azad Kashmir. These actions provoked Maharaja Hari Singh's accession to India on 26 October. After this the Indian Army arrived in J&K, opposing the Azad Army, Pukhtoon forces, and Gilgitis, then later Baltis and from May 1948 the Pakistan Army until the 1949 ceasefire.[23]: 117–118
The new state of Azad Kashmir came to rely heavily on the Pakistani state for support, it intially lacked any urban capital thus areas such as Murree and Rawalpindi, with their army cantonments and accessibility were important. To show the 'indigenous' character of the movement, Azad Kashmiris moved their capital to the thick forests around Palandri, and then to the even thicker forests at Trarkhel, until in 1949 when the 'war-battered' Muzaffarabad became capital.[23]: 118 Despite having motivated personnel who operated in familiar environments amongst a supportive population in 1947 there was a lack of educated personnel, especially administrators, in addition to a lack of resources and finance. Pakistan and its army partially alleviated such problems by granting resources and "lending" its own officials as bureaucrats. Christopher Snedden writes that compared to Indian-administered Kashmir, "Azad Kashmir detrimentally became known as a ‘local authority’ with limited power, control and influence, and heavily overseen by Pakistan."[23]: 118–119 Due to the requirements of the scheduled UN plebiscite Pakistan decided to 'administer' its two areas of J&K until the plebiscite determined their status rather than fully and legally incorporating them into Pakistan. Making Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan de facto, but not de jure part of Pakistan. Christopher Snedden adds "Azad Kashmiris quickly, and willingly, accepted the ‘demotion’ of their region, plus more. This was what was required for J&K to join Pakistan," further remarking "Azad Kashmiris enjoyed considerable autonomy." However this state of affairs began to change after the Pakistani Army's official arrival into AJK bringing the Azad Army under its control, subsuming parts of it and disbanding the remainder following the 1949 ceasefire, ending the Kashmiri ability to pursue 'liberation' by itself. Nevertheless, Azad Kashmiris continued to call their region the ‘base camp to liberate [Indian] J&K.' The Pakistani Army even suppressed Azad Kashmiris following uprising in 1950 and 1955 over the sacking of Sardar Ibrahim Khan, heavy-handedness and a lack of a plebiscite. Realizing the issue had become more complex, the Government of Pakistan established the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs (MKA) in Rawalpindi.[23]: 119–120 Later becoming the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (MKANA) with the addition of Gilgit-Baltistan to its purview.[24]: 52
Antía Mato Bouzas writes, "Pakistan’s dealings with the Kashmir areas under its control, known at present as Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, have revolved around two contradictory issues: the need to administer the territories already held, while at the same time persisting in the claim to the whole princely state." This led to the upholding of the colonial status-quo in Gilgit Baltistan, which was ruled under the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FRC) until the 1970s, and less-so in AJK, recognized as a federal territory with its own constitution and semi-autonomous state. Under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Gilgit-Baltistan was granted limited-self-administration, the judicial and tax powers of local rulers were removed, and the 'Subject Rule' which legally bound individuals as subjects of the princely state was suppressed, signaling a change from the commitment to the previous status-quo. However, the right to appeal to the High Court of Pakistan and participating in general elections did not materialize.[24]: 51–53 Overtime Gilgit-Baltistan was granted greater degrees of autonomy, with its own regional government and administration,[24]: 54 culminating in the Gilgit-Baltistan (Empowerment and Self Governance) Order of 2009, which granted turned its Legislative Council into the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, created the Gilgit-Baltistan Council and created the office of Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan elected by the Assembly.[23]: 142
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs (MKA) in April 1949 formulated the 'Heads of Agreement' policy between M. A. Gurmani (head of the MKA), Azad Kashmir's President Sardar Ibrahim and Muslim Conference President, Ghulam Abbas. This agreement delineated the responsibilities of the respective parties.[23]: 120 Danish Khan describes the Muslim Conference period as a time when the conference remained "engrossed in discourse of Kashmir conflict rather than prioritising the arduous task of institution-building for indigenous/local socio-economic development."[25] "Azad Kashmiris disliked, but endured, MKA officials’ often tardy treatment of them as this was the price to pay to join Pakistan. Equally, Karachi was distant, India was totally unattractive and there were no other options," asserts Snedden.[23]: 120 In 1970, Yahya Khan's military administration promulgated a 'rudimentary' constitution, 'The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government Act, 1970' which provided AJK a presidential system, an elected legislative assembly and 'considerable' autonomy. Snedden refers to it as having "delivered the most autonomy ever enjoyed by this region – or by any region in J&K." The central government only controlling foreign affairs, defence and currency, while the MKA was sidelined.[23]: 121 Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, then Prime-Minister of Pakistan, with some local support imposed the 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution Act, 1974’ (Interim till the Kashmir dispute was resolved with India). It allowed AJK a directly elected AJK Legislative Assembly, and a smaller indirectly elected Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council in Islamabad. This arrangement reduced the power of the MKA, however Snedden referred to it as a "diminution."[23]: 121–122 Danish Khan in The Friday Times characterizes this development as providing "an avenue for citizens to draw attention from political elites towards immediate socio-economic and developmental concerns such as access to basic infrastructure and public goods," further stating "while public sector investments in infrastructure and social sectors have shown relative improvements over the years, the overarching narrative in the political sphere, spanning across party lines, remains heavily focused on the Jammu & Kashmir conflict rather than indigenous socio-economic development."[25]
Recent Developments
Meanwhile, protests were occurring in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan as well as several other regions across Pakistan for relief due to massive inflation and high food prices coupled with huge electricity bills.[26] At the same time other movements across Pakistan were occurring such as demands for missing person investigations and Pashtun rights.[27] Pakistan was going in a tough time with floods and political instability combined with insurgencies intensifying. Pakistan's elections were planned for February and this would play a key role as It is believed, with some evidence, that Pakistan's elections were rigged by the government agencies which contributed to a divided electoral result with PPP taking Sindh, MQM taking Karachi, PML-N takeover of Punjab, Fractured Balochistan and PTI gaining total victories in KPK while also controlling Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from early elections. In the Federal, A coalition of PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, MQM-P and independent candidates formed a government with Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister and Asif Ali Zardari as President. Due to the evidence of rigging, protests were organized by various political parties and violence also occurred such as the one on 9 February, when two PTI workers were killed and 24 others were injured in demonstrations against electoral fraud in Shangla District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[28]
Protests in Azad Kashmir
The protests in Azad Kashmir began in May 2023, in the town of Rawalakot, the headquarters of Poonch District. They were started by a few sit-in protestors against rising prices of wheat flour and electricity. They were soon followed by a boycott of electricity bills, which went unpaid in most areas of Azad Kashmir.[29]
The protestors maintain that the power projects in Azad Kashmir generate 3,000 megawatts of cheap electricity, a third of Pakistan's power generation, but the Azad Kashmir consumers are charged prices five times the cost of production.[29][30][a] This is said to be in violation of the Constitution of Pakistan which prohibits the government of Pakistan from making a profit from the residents of Azad Kashmir.[29]
Several rounds of negotiations between the governments of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan, as well as those between the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the government of Azad Kashmir have failed to produce results, leading the movement to call for more autonomy in accordance with the mandate given by the United Nations to Pakistan during the Kashmir conflict.[29]
In September 2023, protests were held in all major towns of Azad Kashmir with thousands of protestors, and traders' associations, transporters and lawyers observed a strike. A call for strike was also given for 5 February 2024, which is normally observed as the Kashmir Solidarity Day.[31]
Muzaffarabad Public Action Committees called for a "long march" to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, on Saturday, 11 May, to come from all parts of Azad Kashmir. The federal government mobilized 600 personnel of Punjab Constabulary and an unspecified number of Frontier Constabulary in a bid to block the march.[32][14][33]
The AJK Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) made ten demands to the government:[34]
- Wheat subsidy similar to Gilgit Baltistan
- Electricity tariff should be determined from the cost of electricity production from the Mangla Hydropower Project in AJK
- Unnecessary perks and privileges of the ruling class and officials should be completely eliminated
- Restrictions on student unions should be lifted, and elections should be conducted
- Kashmir Bank should be scheduled
- Municipal representatives should be given funds and powers
- Cellular companies and internet services should be standardized
- Property transfer taxes should be reduced
- Accountability Bureau should be made active in AJK and amendments should be made to the Act
- Practical restrictions should be imposed on tree cutting and legislation should be enacted to revitalize the local wood industry.
Government Response to Demands
Federal Grant and Subsidies
On 13 May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the immediate provision of Rs. 23 billion ($82,685,321) to AJK. Following the injection of the Federal grant, the Premier of AJK, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq announced a subsidized rate of Rs. 2,000 per 40 kilograms of flour, down from the previous Rs. 3,100, also notifying a reduction in electricity prices; Rs3 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for 1–100 unit consumption, Rs5 per kWh for 100–300 unit consumption, and Rs6 per kWh for consumption above 300 units. With commercial unit price fixed at Rs10 for 1-300 units and Rs15 for above 300 units. Clarifying that it was a "permanent arrangement," and that it would be included in the up-coming 2024-25 Pakistan Federal Budget. This came after a meeting between the Federal government and AJK ministers and leaders.[20][35][36][37] The Joint Awami Action Committee remained "cautious" on the government response, demanding "written document and not a verbal announcement," requesting formal government notification.[38] Chaudhry Anwarul Haq claimed that the government had accepted "all demands of Awami Action Committee," and "notified subsidies on food and electricity."[39] The government also established a judicial commission to review the privileges of top government officials in AJK.[2] On the same day the AJK government had Yasin Qureshi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Muzaffarabad transferred, and appointed Irfan Masood Kashfi in his place. Pakistan Today and Hum News also claimed that the government was planning to change Muzaffarabad Commissioner Masoodul Rehman with Adnan Khrushid.[40][12]
Acceptance by the Awami Action Committee
Following this, on 14 May, the JAAC called off protests. "The government accepted all the demands of the protesters yesterday," remarked one JAAC representative, adding "The shutterdown strike is being called off." JAAC Leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir said "[Our protest] movement had three basic demands [which were] cheap flour, cheap electricity and the abolition of privileges for the elite [class]," to Geo News, expressing felicitations to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accepting the protestors demands after more than a year.[3][41] The JAAC entered into an agreement with the government to release all those arrested and drop all cases according to JAAC Core Committee member Amjad Ali Khan. He also called for the compensation of the 3 protestors killed in clashes with Rangers and a judicial commission to investigate police violence. Abdul Majid Khan, a spokesperson for the AJK government claimed that “All the demands of the protesters have been fulfilled, and the situation will hopefully return to normalcy now." Attaullah Tarar, Federal Information Minister claimed that the situation was addressed due to the Federal grant to AJK.[4] According to Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the suspension of Internet Services by the government prevented news of successful talks from reaching protestors.[3]
Timeline
9 May
In the intervening night of 8 and 9 May, the police arrested around 70 JAAC activists after raiding their residences and those of their relatives in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions. In Muzaffarabad, the arrested activists included Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the elected leader of traders, and several other members of the action committee. In Mirpur's Dadyal Tehsil, a dozen activists were arrested, provoking clashes with traders on 9 May.[17][42]
A black Vigo vehicle usually associated with Pakistan's Intelligence Service was burned and two officers were injured. The government responded by deploying 5000 policemen and imposing section 144, which caused more clashes.[where?] The Inspector General of Police claimed that Indian Intelligence Agencies were involved.[43] The federal cabinet after a consultation session approved the deployment of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Azad Kashmir for the security of Chinese nationals and to assist the Azad Kashmir police and government.[44]
10 May
JAAC responded to the clashes by announcing its closure of business and calling for a strike on 11 May.[45] Reportedly protestors used sticks and stones to pelt on the police, to which the police responded with shelling and baton charge. In the afternoon. sometime between 5 pm to 7 pm, the police resorted to aerial firing to deter the protesters.[46] A school was tear-gassed but the home minister reported that the protestors had thrown a tear gas shell into the school.[47] A state officer was also held hostage for 4 hours in the chaos.[48][49] Several Police officers were assaulted as were dozens of protestors and the government claimed to arrest 25 foreign Indian agents at the time while hundreds more were arrested.[34][46][48][49]
11 May
Across the region protest spread, the police reportedly fled in one town rather than to confront the protestors, while in various places, the protestors assaulted the police, reportedly throwing two policemen down from hills while two others rushed to save their lives. Some civilians, horrified by the violence, proceeded to throw themselves to save some policemen such as sitting in between to save them and allowing them to escape and halt the attack by protestors. Videos of the carnage would emerge all day and all night. At one spot the AK-47 rifle of a police officer was stolen, although in the video, it didn't have a magazine. One police officer was shot in the chest and died due to his wounds while more reports of clashes emerged.[50][51][52] Although the police had access to heavy weapons such as assault rifles and armoured cars with machines guns, they showed restraint. Military vehicles and personnel were stopped and blocked from travelling across the region.[53]
12 May
A meeting was held between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, and Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, and over the escalating tensions.[54]
Reports of Rangers in Poonch and Muzaffarabad emerged, and it was reported some 1300 had been deployed. Mobile phone and internet services were suspended in different parts of AJK today including Bhimber and Bagh Towns.[55]
JAAC leaders responded to the violence by condemning it and advising its protestors to not go into anti Pakistan rhetoric nor to use violence but rather be peaceful, the leaders also said that they are Pakistanis and "love Pakistan more than anyone else".[56]
The Government responded to the protests by suspending Internet in the Region while Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir offered to reconcile with talks and to negotiate with the JAAC and said that they had already worked out 99% of the demands.[57][58]
The Protestors continued their long march on the Regional Capital Muzaffarabad although they set out on foot rather then vehicles, heading to Rawalakot and other regions to hold rallies. At the time as per some reports, President Zardari ordered some rangers to pull out of the situation or not to go into action yet. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prepared to hold a meeting the next day on the 13th with his Cabinet, Interior Ministry Officials, Azad Kashmir Government Officials among others. President Zardari requested patience from both sides to work out a agreement.[56]
At Between 5 pm PKT to 10 pm PKT, it was reported in the media that the Government has agreed to the demands of the JAAC to deal with the problems.[59] But Bol News reported that the demands have not all been accepted yet and it remains inconclusive.[60] Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday peaceful protests were a democratic right, but there should be “no tolerance” for violence.[61]
13 May
The Pakistani prime minister announced a relief package to meet the protestors' demands.[20] A Pakistan Rangers convoy, which was presumably on its way out of Azad Kashmir, entered Muzaffarabad, and was pelted with stones by the protestors. Rangers opened fire at demonstrators blocking their way, leading to several injuries, at least 3 of the wounded died. Locals torched a vehicle of the Pakistan Rangers as the convoy attempted to reach Muzaffarabad.[62] Schools, business and government offices have remained shut down. Internet services that were suspended since the 12th were briefly restored until being taken down again as violence intensified. That JAAC did not announce if it would accept the governments offer and end the protests.[63] According to Pakistan Today, "peace and calm appear to have returned to Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the third day of demonstrations," further remarking "while normal life remains disrupted with businesses shuttered and public transport halted in various cities." Adding that in areas such as Samahni, Barnala and Bhimber "daily life was going on as usual." Additional police forces were removed from entry and exit points of Bhimber, as it was claimed business centres were opening up and traffic flowing normally.[40] Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muzaffarabad Nadeem Janjua confirmed that 28 individuals had been arrested during the protests under charges of attacking police and causing damage to vehicles.[12] PTI spokesman Raoof Hasan and former PM of Azad Kashmir, Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi said that PTI was deeply concerned "about the fast-deteriorating situation in AJK," and claimed that the government was "pursuing the policy of Narendra Modi." Urging the government to analyze the motives of the public protests and recognize the demands of the protestors. Abdul Qayyum Niazi called for the resignation of the current AJK government and the calling of fresh elections. He claimed that there were 40,000 protests on the streets.[64]
14 May
On 14 May it was reported that the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) announced it would call off the ongoing protests in AJK. "The government accepted all the demands of the protesters yesterday," remarked one JAAC representative, adding "The shutterdown strike is being called off." However, notifying that state-wide shutter down would be observed until 3:00 PM to honour the people killed in the protests. Earlier in the day the JAAC announced a "black day" to honour the three people who had died in clashes with state agencies. This came after the announcement in wheat subsidies and the reduction of electricity rates at production cost following the Rs23 billion Federal package to Azad Kashmir. JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir supported the Prime Minister's acceptance of their demands after more than a year, further lamenting the suspension in internet services which according to him prevented news of successful talks from reaching the protestors.[3][41] Amjad Ali Khan, a member of the JAAC core committee speaking about the details of the JAAC agreement with the government said that the authorities agreed to drop all cases and release arrested individuals. He also said the JAAC demanded compensation for the three demonstrators killed in clashes with Rangers and called for a judicial commission to investigate police violence. Abdul Majid Khan, a spokesperson for the AJK government claimed that “All the demands of the protesters have been fulfilled, and the situation will hopefully return to normalcy now."[4] Responding to another demand, the government established a judicial commission to review the privileges of top government officials in Azad Kashmir.[2]
Notes
References
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has generic name (help) - ^ "What is so Special about Kashmir's Special Status?". 12 November 2019.
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