Awami Action Committee Leads Protests in Kashmir Over Rising Prices and Joblessness

According to reports, the AAC – a coalition of local political and social groups – mobilized large crowds calling for an end to special refugee-reserved seats in the legislative assembly, improved economic opportunities, and urgent governance reforms. Protesters accused the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of turning a blind eye to the worsening situation on the ground.

Chanting slogans for justice, demonstrators blocked roads and staged sit-ins, voicing their anger against skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, joblessness, and stalled infrastructure projects. “Our youth have no jobs, our families cannot afford daily necessities, and our voices are not heard in the system,” one protester told local reporters.

To contain the unrest, security forces were deployed in major cities, including Muzaffarabad, with reports of mobile internet disruptions in certain areas. Authorities said the measures were taken to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.

Political analysts warn that these demonstrations reflect a deeper frustration that has been brewing for years. “The grievances are not new – economic disparity, lack of employment, and governance gaps have long fueled dissatisfaction. Unless concrete steps are taken, the protests could escalate further,” commented a senior analyst.

The federal government has yet to release an official statement, but insiders suggest that top officials are monitoring the situation closely. Observers believe Islamabad will need to initiate dialogue with local leaders and offer visible relief measures to restore calm.

Over the past few years, Kashmir has seen repeated waves of unrest over electricity shortages, taxation issues, and poor service delivery. However, today’s demonstrations stand out for their scale, signaling mounting frustration that could pressure the central government to take urgent corrective action.

For now, the region remains tense, with residents waiting to see whether the authorities will respond through dialogue and reforms – or opt for stricter enforcement measures.