NEELAM VALLEY (Kashmir Digital): Daily life remained largely normal across Azad Jammu and Kashmir as residents, traders and civil society groups rejected the strike and wheel-jam call issued by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
In Neelam Valley, public and private transport continued to operate normally on the main highway and connecting roads. Markets and commercial centres from Athmuqam to Sharda also remained open, with business activities continuing as usual.
Government offices, schools and colleges were also open, while civil society and political and social groups distanced themselves from the strike call and urged the authorities to maintain law and order.
Neelam Deputy Commissioner Iqbal Hassan welcomed the public response and said cooperation with the state authorities was a positive development.
Reports from other parts of AJK, including Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Mirpur and Bhimber, also indicated that citizens, traders and students had not responded to the strike call. In Rawalakot, individuals reportedly attempted to block roads but dispersed after intervention by security personnel.
The government has placed police and other security agencies on alert and ordered action against individuals attempting to disrupt public order.
Officials and government sources have also claimed that participation in the banned Action Committee’s sit-ins has declined. Authorities have reportedly called for the sit-ins to end before any further roadmap for negotiations is discussed.
The government has also launched measures against individuals involved in violence, disruption and the spread of what it describes as false information on social media.
