Following a successful ‘shut-down’ strike in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on November 9, the administration has intensified retaliatory actions against the business community and leaders of the Action Committee.
According to reports, the administration of the Samahni subdivision has sealed the shops of Raja Azhar Khan (President of the Jandala Bazaar) and Mirza Zulfiqar Zargar, citing their support for the November 9 strike and their participation in a rally in Jandala.
Similarly, in the area of ​​Chowki, the shops of several traders have been sealed, and a number of prominent citizens have been arrested.
Expressing strong indignation over this double standard, members of the public and the business community pointed out that the entire Jandala Bazaar remained completely closed on November 9; yet, the administration chose to target only a few specific leaders.
The business community has urged journalists, local YouTubers, and social media activists to break their silence and raise their voices against this state-sponsored oppression and the retaliatory measures taken against traders.
A spokesperson for the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee stated that such underhanded tactics and selective punitive measures cannot suppress the popular movement. For over five months, sit-ins and peaceful protests have been ongoing in various areas—including at Rawalakot Darek—and this struggle will continue, come what may, until their rights are secured.
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