THERE is trouble brewing in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where a coalition comprising various civil society organisations and backed by some political parties has been able to pull off another successful strike, this time against a controversial ordinance seeking to ‘regulate’ public gatherings. For context, last month, AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood had approved a presidential ordinance that imposed draconian punishments for ‘illegal’ public gatherings, rallies, and protests. It was similar to the law to regulate public assembly in Islamabad, issued by the federal government in September, called the Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Act of 2024. Under both laws, the administrative apparatus was given unprecedented powers to approve or deny permission to public gatherings and to impose severe punishments in case of non-compliance. Yesterday, the AJK public responded positively to the strike call despite an AJK supreme court injunction suspending the said ordinance two days earlier, ignoring the territorial government’s many exhortations for business to continue as usual.

It appears that the people of AJK feel quite strongly about measures taken to control their liberties, and the strike’s success suggests a bigger confrontation may be brewing. According to a strike organiser, “Our campaign is for the fundamental rights of the citizens of this state, which this law compromises. A peaceful strike will send a loud and clear message about the people’s commitment to civil liberties.” While the ordinance has been suspended, the coalition says it wants it repealed in full. It may be recalled that the same coalition, the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, had also held large protests earlier this year, which ultimately forced the territorial government to accede to its demands. The trend is worrying, as it appears that attempts to exert control on the liberated territory have been triggering strong responses from the AJK public. Decision-makers would be well advised to proceed with caution, given the sensitivities involved, and to address local concerns with restraint.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024