Zafar Nazir
Rawalakot (Kashmir English): Elected local government representatives protested against the lack of authority, and from the Poonch Division staged a protest rally in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), demanding the empowerment of municipal institutions. The rally culminated in a large protest gathering at Sabir Shaheed Stadium, where participants raised slogans against the government and in support of their demands.
During the protest, participants held placards inscribed with anti-government slogans and demands for local government empowerment. Addressing the gathering, speakers criticised the government for its lack of seriousness in granting local bodies full authority.
They said local representatives protesting throughout the state but the government is indifferent to their demands. The speakers declared that they would attend the convention to be held in Muzaffarabad on February 15; at that time, they would make public their scheme of next action.
The speakers further emphasised that Rs3.7 billion in funds rightfully belong to local government institutions, not members of the legislative assembly, whose role is limited to lawmaking rather than fund allocation. They accused the government of bad faith, claiming that after making local representatives draft an amended act, the government is now preparing to introduce its version in the assembly to suit its interests.
Sardar Javed Sharif, Chairman of the District Council and Focal Person for AJK Local Representatives, along with other elected officials from Poonch Division, addressed the gathering.
They revealed that after extensive negotiations, the government had assured them that an amended bill, drafted after reviewing local government structures in other provinces, would be presented in the assembly. However, the government is now pushing its version instead of the one proposed by local representatives, which exposes its insincerity.
The speakers warned that a decisive movement has begun, and all options are on the table. They declared that they were fully prepared to fight for their rights and would not back down. The February 15 convention in Muzaffarabad will set the course for their future actions.
They urged the government to act responsibly and resolve the grievances of local government representatives to ensure the genuine devolution of power. Until their demands are met, the protest movement will continue.
In Kotli too, Government employees staged a massive protest against pension reforms, demanding their reversal and the regularisation of ad-hoc staff, today.
