MUZAFFARABAD: Negotiations between Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) government & Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have  remained inconclusive as the government has not accepted the demands of the JAAC.

Earlier as per media reports, the government of Azad Kashmir expressed its willingness to accept the demands of the People’s Action Committee after the successful talks. But the long negotiation, both sides have failed to reach any agreement.

Sources disclosed that after negotiations between a JAAC delegation and the territory’s Chief Secretary at the residence of the Rawalakot Commissioner, the AJK government conceded to all protester demands.

The JAAC demanded the  government to subsidize flour, withdraw the recent hike in electricity bills and facilities given to the ministers.

The JAAC delegation, consisting of Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Umar Nazeer Kashmiri and others wheras from the government Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, Senior Minister and Interior Minister Colonel (retd) Waqar Noor and Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir took part in the talks through video link.

Meanwhile, expressing profound concerns regarding the violent clashes between the Azad Jammu and Kashmir police and demonstrators, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the imperative of upholding the rule of law.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister stated, “While deliberation, discourse, and peaceful protests are essential facets of democracy, there should be zero tolerance for resorting to vigilantism and causing damage to government properties.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks came in response to the deployment of Rangers by the AJK government as protests against high electricity bills and taxes entered their third day. These demonstrations were orchestrated by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). PM Shehbaz lamented, “Regrettably, amidst turmoil and dissent, there are always those who seek to exploit the situation for political gain.”

PM Shehbaz also mentioned his conversation with AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and directed all PML-N officials in AJK to engage with the leaders of the action committee. He urged all parties involved to pursue peaceful means for addressing their grievances, expressing optimism that despite efforts to disrupt, a resolution would be reached promptly.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all parties in Azad Kashmir to resort to peaceful course of action for resolution of their demands.

It’s worth noting that amid the clashes between police and protesters in Mirpur, at least one police officer lost his life, with over 70 individuals sustaining injuries.

It is reported that the government agreed to subsidize flour and rescind the recent hike in electricity bills. The delegation, composed of figures like Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Umar Nazeer Kashmiri, is expected to announce the formal acceptance of these terms soon.

After experiencing violent protests over the past 48 hours, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government admitted all demands presented by the Joint Awami Action Committee ((JAAC), which had been protesting against exorbitant electricity bills and taxes.

Clashes between police and activists of a rights movement erupted across Azad Kashmir during a widespread strike, resulting in the unfortunate death of at least one police official and injuries to several others.

Sub-inspector Adnan Qureshi lost his life due to a gunshot wound in Islamgarh while attempting to halt a rally organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) heading towards Muzaffarabad. The JAAC, predominantly led by traders across the state, has advocated for electricity rates based on hydroelectric generation costs in AJK, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to privileges enjoyed by the elite.

During the protests, demonstrators vandalized numerous vehicles, including a magistrate’s car on the Poonch-Kotli road. Additionally, markets, trade centers, offices, schools, and restaurants remained closed throughout AJK.