Peace march in AJK's Sudhnoti demands early elections, end to blockades

On Monday, a sizable crowd from various backgrounds gathered in Palandri, the capital of Sudhnoti district in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), for a peace march. Their main demands were for an end to unrest and blockades, and early elections in seven constituencies of Poonch and Sudhnoti. The march, organized by the Public Alliance Forum Sudhnoti, commenced at Kotli Chowk and proceeded through different streets, culminating in a public gathering at Kutchery Chowk.

Participants carried both AJK and Pakistani flags, displaying banners with slogans advocating peace, such as "This homeland is ours, we are its guardians," "Unrest in the state is unacceptable," and "What do we want? Peace!"

Representatives from various political parties, including PML-N, PPP, Muslim Conference, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party, and PTI, along with traders, lawyers, transporters, civil society representatives, educators, and ex-servicemen, addressed the assembly. In a combined statement, the participants urged the governments of Pakistan and AJK to promptly conduct elections in the seven constituencies where voting did not occur during the recent AJK elections due to security concerns.

They also demanded the immediate removal of blockades imposed by both the government and protesters, both within AJK and at entry points into Pakistan, to alleviate public difficulties in traveling and procuring essential goods.

The marchers also called for the restoration of travel and educational facilities, especially in Sudhnoti and Poonch; immediate restoration of internet services across AJK; and continuous supplies of food and other essential commodities from Pakistan. They expressed concern over rumors of relocating educational and administrative institutions from Rawalakot.

The participants emphasized that the "endless sacrifices" made by the "brave, courageous, and patriotic people" of the region for the Kashmir freedom movement and the "completion of Pakistan" should not be neglected, warning against any actions that would undermine these efforts. They reiterated their commitment to preserving the "everlasting bond" between Kashmiris and Pakistan, stating that a strong and stable Pakistan is essential for the freedom movement, while AJK serves as a "strong defense shield" for Pakistan. The participants pledged, "Promoting instability in the region will not be allowed."

The march also celebrated the government of Pakistan and its armed forces for their contribution to global peace. In the recent direct elections to 38 constituencies, the PML-N secured 25 seats, while the PPP won 12. The sole MLA-elect from the Awami Dast-o-Bazu party joined the PML-N. Regarding reserved seats, the PML-N garnered six, and the PPP secured two. The PPP alleged widespread rigging and irregularities in the elections.