MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A large number of students from different student organisations and Student Action Committee protested peacefully toady at Lal Chowk, Upper Adda, in response to a call by the Student Action Committee. Their key demand: immediate elections for student unions across Azad Jammu and Kashmirs (AJK).
The students stated that they were only asking for their democratic right to choose representatives through union elections. Carrying banners and placards with slogans in support of student unions, the protestors gathered peacefully and made it clear that their movement is non-violent.
Participants of the Student Action Committee protest told reporters that they had formally requested security from the administration ahead of the protest. Their concern stemmed from a recent firing incident at a university campus, after which students began feeling unsafe.
However, instead of providing support, they said the authorities seemed to treat them as a potential security threat.
“We asked for protection, not policing,” one student remarked. “Putting security forces around us gives the impression that we are the problem, when in fact we are peacefully demanding our rights.”
Participants of the Student Action Committee protest also expressed disappointment that the recent unrest was being used to paint their movement in a negative light.
They emphasised that calling off academic activities and portraying the demonstration as disruptive was an unfair attempt to undermine a peaceful and democratic struggle.
UAJK even suspended all academic activities today considering security threats.
Student Action Committee protest remained calm, with police deployed around the area as a precaution. No untoward incidents were reported during the demonstration.
At the heart of the protest is a growing call for the revival of student unions, platforms students say are essential for raising their voices and participating in the democratic process within educational institutions.
The Student Action Committee has vowed to continue its peaceful efforts until their demand for union elections is met.
