THE governments of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir moved quickly to respond positively to the demands of the protestors but regrettably precious lives were lost due to violent protests on Monday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and AJK PM Anwarul Haq after a meeting approved the release of Rs 23 billion for AJK on account of power and wheat subsidies. The subsidized rate for 40kg flour will be Rs 2,000, down from Rs 3,100. The electricity tariff was reduced to Rs 3, Rs 5 and Rs 6 per unit for up to 100, 300, and more than 300 units, respectively. The AJK government also issued notifications to this effect for the satisfaction of protesters.
There are reasons to believe that the government made the decision not on the basis of any logic or rationality but purely because of political expediency but despite this some unscrupulous elements resorted to attacks on Rangers, which were already withdrawing from the territory clearly showing that mischief mongers took full advantage of the situation to advance their own designs. The ensuing clashes left three people dead and several others injured. Thorough investigations should be held to fix responsibility as to who provoked the protestors despite sympathetic consideration of their demand by the Government of Pakistan and issuance of a prompt notification of the subsidized rates of electricity and wheat by the AJK Government. There was no justification to suspect the intentions of the Government when not only notifications were issued but the AJK PM himself assured that the decisions so notified would be made part of the next budget. It may be pointed out that the authorities concerned have always been cautious not to provide any justification for creation of law and order or security challenge in a highly sensitive area but it seems those behind stoking the tension succeeded in their nefarious designs this time round.
