MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Local representatives of the Union Council in Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), blocked Abbottabad road in protest after their deadline expired, demanding immediate implementation of their Charter of Demands, release of funds, and approval of the agreed draft, warning of a Legislative Assembly siege on February 25 if their demands were not met.
The deadline set by local government representatives for the fulfilment of their demands has expired, leading to a fresh wave of protests in Muzaffarabad. On Abbottabad Road, Union Council representatives staged a demonstration, completely blocking the highway. As a result, long queues of vehicles formed on both sides of the road, causing severe traffic disruption.
The protesters reiterated their demands, calling on the government to immediately implement their Charter of Demands. They warned that if the agreed-upon draft was not approved by the Legislative Assembly, they would march towards the Assembly on February 25 and lay siege to it in protest.
Addressing the gathering, the local representatives stressed that the government must act without delay. They highlighted that the High Court’s verdict, which ruled in their favour, further strengthened their stance. The representatives congratulated their colleagues on securing a legal victory and insisted that the government should respect court rulings by implementing their demands without hesitation.
The protesters fought for an immediate payment of funds which should be distributed to local government organizations. The protesters asserted that government delays in funding distributions were obstructing development projects while creating problems with services in their electoral districts.
The demonstrators insisted that further action would occur if their necessary demands continued to go unanswered. The protesters emphasized their mission extended beyond seeking their rights because the public needed help due to inadequate local government funding.
The pending February 25 demonstration has led to an elevation of political tensions. Local representatives in Muzaffarabad threaten massive protests because the government has not resolved their grievances which could occur within upcoming days.
