Former Speaker Kashmir Assembly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Azad Kashmir Shah Ghulam Qadir faced intense public reaction and resistance during his election campaign in Lower Constituency LA-26 of Neelum Valley.
According to local sources, Shah Ghulam Qadir was on his way to attend an inclusive program at Kattan Patian in connection with the election campaign when a large number of people blocked his path in Jagran and later Kattan areas.
Sources say that during this time, there was intense sloganeering, protests and allegedly stone pelting, due to which he was forced to return instead of continuing his journey.
According to sources, during his return, a large number of men and women also stopped Shah Ghulam Qadir’s convoy at Bata and protested vigorously. During this, reports of damage to his vehicle have also come to light.
According to eyewitnesses, Shah Ghulam Qadir had to abandon his car and take shelter in a nearby building due to the loud sloganeering and commotion by the angry protesters.
It is being said that Shah Ghulam Qadir later went to the nearby Red Crescent building, where a large contingent of district administration and police reached the spot and steps were taken to bring the situation under control. The administration claimed to have brought the situation back to normal after some time.
On the other hand, Shah Ghulam Qadir’s spokesperson termed the incident as an alleged conspiracy by the Pakistan Peoples Party and said that some elements deliberately want to create chaos in the area to affect the electoral process and create a justification for postponing the elections.
So far, no official statement has been issued by the police or the district administration regarding the incident, while there are reports of tension in the area. Political circles have called the incident worrying and appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and ensure peaceful political activities.
It should be remembered that Kashmir has been under complete lockdown for the past 22 days. Shutter down and wheel jam strike are ongoing, internet service is closed while Pakistani forces have besieged the entire state and have blocked food supplies, which has led to severe food shortages across the state.
On the other hand, protest sit-ins, rallies and demonstrations by the Public Action Committee are ongoing in various areas, in which a large number of women and children are participating, and there is intense anger and resentment against the state of Pakistan, including the Pakistani army.
PML-N leader Shah Ghulam Qadir has faced similar public anger. On the one hand, the entire state of Kashmir is protesting against the anti-people policies of the Pakistani state, while on the other hand, the state of Pakistan and the military authorities are holding elections during this tense situation in Kashmir so that the world can get the impression that the situation is normal, while the military establishment is taking advantage of this tense situation and following the policy of electing its own people.
Share this content:
