MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In a recent development, the Azad Kashmir local government (LG) representatives in Muzafarabad have decided to end the protest by giving an ultimatum to the government to meet their needs.
The local government representatives have given the Azad Kashmir government a deadline of February 20th to meet their requirements.
If the government does not adhere, the leaders have promised to take extreme actions, including shutting down roads in Azad Kashmir on February 21st, 2025, representatives added.
The action is viewed as a last measure to compel the government to look into the demands of the local people.
Earlier, The Azad Kashmir local government (LG) representatives staged a demonstration at Burhan Wani Chowk in Muzaffarabad today (Saturday).
The convention, organized by LG representatives, demanded more power should be given to the local government institutions, and funds should be ensured.
The participants of the divisional convention told the media that they were determined to empower the local government system. They are demanding the government to restore their constitutional rights.
AJK government on Friday announced to release of Rs1 billion in funds and urged local government (LG) representatives to call off their planned protest.
The govt asserted that consensus-based amendments to the relevant law had already been approved to address issues concerning LG institutions.
However, Muzaffarabad’s Mayor Sikandar Gillani, an LG representative, rejected the government’s insurance and termed it as mere ‘rhetoric’.
He informed that similar conventions had already been held by LG representatives from Mirpur and Poonch divisions at their respective headquarters on Feb 6 and 10. However, the decision regarding the next course of action had been postponed until Muzaffarabad’s convention.
Elected local government representatives from different districts of Azad Kashmir, local leaders, and the public from all walks of life participated in the convention.
The protesters have warned that if their demands are not accepted, the scope of the protest will be further expanded.
