Despite Section 144, longest internet shutdown and tight security in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, political tension has reached its peak.
The capital is witnessing a partial shutdown after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee (an organization banned by the government) called for a decisive long march towards Muzaffarabad today.
Most shops and business centers in Muzaffarabad’s major commercial centers, including Plot and Madina Market, remained closed due to the announcement of the long march. Business activities were recorded at a much lower level than usual due to the ongoing political uncertainty.
It should be noted that the wheel jam and lockout strikes have been going on intermittently in various districts of the region for the past 36 days, paralyzing the life system.
The situation took a more bloody turn yesterday when violent clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement agencies in Baloch tehsil of Sidhanoti district and Matialamara area of ​​Rawalakot district.
At least 10 people, including civilians and security personnel, were killed in these fresh clashes.
Several people were also seriously injured during the clashes and have been shifted to nearby hospitals.
With this latest loss of life, the overall tension in the region and the total number of civilians and law enforcement officials who lost their lives during the clashes have crossed three dozen.
The internet shutdown imposed by the administration to prevent public protests and block access to information has completed 39 days today.
This prolonged suspension of the communication system has caused severe economic and social hardship to the local population, while on the other hand, in view of the long march, security is on high alert throughout the region, including Muzaffarabad, and the blockade of routes has been tightened further.
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