Written by: Abid Hashmi
The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental human right embedded in various international charters and national constitutions. It forms the bedrock of democracy, allowing individuals to express their views, challenge injustices, influence public policy, and seek the fulfillment of their legitimate demands. This right is not a mere privilege granted by governments but an essential component of a free and open society. During protests, the government has the responsibility to prevent violence and protect public lives, property and government assets. Additionally, the government must maintain law and order and ensure the smooth functioning of daily routines and businesses. Protesters also have responsibilities; peaceful protest requires nonviolent behavior and respect for the rights of others. The power of peaceful protest lies in conveying strong messages without resorting to violence, thus maintaining moral high ground and public support.
The Awami Action Committee was formed a few months ago to address public demands in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Their main demands included a subsidy on flour, electricity priced at production rates, and the elimination of elite luxuries. To push these demands, the Awami Action Committee announced a long march to Muzaffarabad. The AJK government acted responsibly, managing the situation properly. The government negotiated with the protest march leaders in Rawalakot, accepted all demands, and issued a notification. It was agreed that the long march would not proceed beyond Kohala.
To manage potential disasters and security situations, the AJK government routinely requisitions Civil Armed Forces (FC & Rangers). In this instance, the AJK government requested 2,000 Rangers troops as a second line of security for state symbols like the Parliament building, Judicial Complex and government offices. Based on the agreement reached in negotiations, the AJK government showed restraint by keeping 300-400 Rangers troops on standby rather than deploying them, hoping the Awami Action Committee would honor the agreement. Unfortunately, the committee failed to keep anarchist elements away from the march, leading to negative outcomes.
When anarchist elements within the long march breached the agreement by moving past Kohala, Rangers were called in. The AJK government avoided direct confrontation by rerouting the Rangers, leaving the long march route from Kohala to Muzaffarabad clear. However, these anarchist elements attacked the Rangers, throwing stones and setting fire to two Rangers vehicles. They also fired upon the Rangers, causing injuries. Despite being under attack, the Rangers showed restraint, using only gas shells and rubber bullets, avoiding live fire to prevent fatalities.
The escalation was clearly due to these anarchist elements, not the Rangers. Three civilians were killed due to the firing by these elements, not by the Rangers. The Rangers were deployed to protect government buildings and state symbols but were targeted by these elements seeking to disrupt AJK’s peaceful environment. The responsibility for the escalation lies with the Awami Action Committee leadership, who allowed these elements to defy the agreement and initiate violence.
We condemn the killing of a police sub-inspector in Mirpur Division, the attack on Rangers vehicles, and the arson. These vehicles were set on fire near Barar Kot, not in Muzaffarabad, indicating the attacks were not in response to Rangers’ actions. The breach of the agreement and subsequent violence were orchestrated by anarchist elements within the Awami Action Committee. The people of AJK recognize these malicious intentions and reject the false propaganda. They cherish peace and stability and are distancing themselves from these disruptive elements. The people demand a thorough investigation into the incident and strict legal action against these anarchist elements who tried to destroy the peaceful environment of AJK. This same anarchist group and their associates are spreading misinformation and hate against the State, country, and Armed Forces on social media. These anti-state elements intend to create divisions within the State, and the people of AJK condemn their heinous actions.
