Protests were carried out in Kashmir last week against the soaring flour and energy prices. But, according to the BBC and several other newspapers, protests that were initiated by the Joint Awami Action Committee, an activist group, with several demands including subsidized flour and the provision of electricity at its production cost led to violent clashes between protesters and paramilitary forces called rangers in Muzaffarabad — the capital city of the region bordering India — and resulted in four deaths, including one police officer, many injuries and the suspension of schools, public transportation and businesses. Many have rendered the level of the latest violence this month in Kashmir rare.
It is notable that people in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which is often called “Azad Jammu Kashmir” and a semi-autonomous region with its own regional government, have already been facing increased living costs. According to multiple sources, the protest movements of the Joint Awami Action Committee which includes labor leaders, traders, transporters and other civil society members date back to 2023 when there were increased prices of flour, driven by several causes including a massive wheat crisis, and a major increase in electricity rates, subsequently leading to several demands. The soaring inflation was already unbearable for many people in the region, who mostly rely on agriculture and remittances from overseas Pakistanis. Amidst such backdrops, different reasons including the latest rise in flour and electricity prices, which have appeared to be a blow to most people, have probably fueled the massive protests.
The positive side is that the government of Pakistan, which came to power through the 16th general election in 2024, has accepted most of the demands of the protesters, including providing subsidized flour and allowing the banks in the region to open branches in other parts of the country, increasing the chance of resolving the crisis without further deterioration. Importantly, according to multiple sources, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has by this time approved $82 million worth of subsidies to defuse the situation by partly meeting the demands of the protesters. The funds may help lower the price of flour in Kashmir — substantially. But diverse concerns remain that may put crucial challenges.
The government has not accepted one of the main demands of protesters such as reducing electricity prices. Protesters claim that the people of Pakistan-administered Kashmir should get electricity, which is generated locally through its Mangla Dam, at a reduced cost. In addition, Pakistan, a country that is still recovering from the economic crisis in 2023, has not yet met the demands despite promises, potentially leading to increased distrust. Among others, the killing of three protesters remains a crucial challenge to ending the latest crisis. The protests may continue against the killings in the days ahead, with a possibility of further deterioration.
It is desired that the crisis in Kashmir be resolved. For this, the reasonable concerns of the protesters need to be heeded without exerting force on peaceful protests. But it is crucial to meet the promises on demand rather than providing mere promises. While bringing those responsible for the killing to justice is desirable, talks between the government and the JAAC may help resolve it. The proactive role of the government, which has already expressed willingness to resolve contentions through discussions, can help hold direct talks and resolve the crisis.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
