AJK situation

There is a politico-administrative standoff in the AJK. The strike called by the apolitical Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for seeking implementation of its demands has unfortunately gone over the brink. The reported skirmishes on the streets are quite unnerving, and warrant an instant solution. The closure of several parts of the Valley is unbecoming of the harmony and goodwill that is an ingredient of AJK vis-à-vis its relations with the Federation of Pakistan. This solicits a huddle of all stakeholders to defuse tension, and the least that is desired is to call off the protest and enter into parleys, especially at a time when elections to the Legislative Assembly are due next month.

The bone of contention, as of now, is related to the demand for the abolition of 12 seats reserved for the Kashmiri refugees inside Pakistan. JAAC perceives a strong link between these legislators and federal authorities, which they believe impacts policy directions and governance in the region. Islamabad's contention, however, is that these migrants represent the diaspora shunted out from IIOJK, and these seats cannot be abolished under an executive order. It also believes that abolition of the reserved seats would, in a way, be detrimental to the struggle of Kashmiris for statehood and self-determination.

Islamabad also insists that 37 of the 38 demands put forwards JAAC have been met – including annulment of perks for ruling elites, royalty for hydel-power projects, provision of electricity and wheat at subsidised rates, and a hefty Rs23 billion development package. Thus, continuing with the protests at the cost of law and order is unwarranted. The remaining differences can be resolved at the negotiating table. The signals from several political figures offering to reduce assembly seats and draft a new framework for the refugees' legislative role are encouraging and should be pursued. Finally, it would be highly pertinent to table the reserved seats decision before the upcoming legislature, allowing all political parties to contest the elections with a clear manifesto on the issue.