BAGH, Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Residents of Bagh district in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have praised state institutions and security forces for peacefully bringing an end to a five-month-long unlawful sit-in, saying the move has restored the rule of law and provided much-needed relief to the local population.
Residents expressed gratitude over the peaceful conclusion of the illegal violent protest, which had caused prolonged road closures, disrupted business activities and affected educational institutions.
They said the restoration of normality had allowed people to breathe a sigh of relief.
They commended state institutions and security forces for handling the situation peacefully, restoring the writ of the state and bringing the standoff to an end without any loss of life.
Residents said holding protests did not give anyone the right to hold people hostage, block major roads or disrupt children’s education and people’s livelihoods. They stressed that public rights must not be compromised in the name of demonstrations.
They also called for the immediate restoration of law and order in other affected areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to prevent further disruption of public life and the use of innocent citizens as human shields.
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The residents further demanded impartial legal action against individuals involved in disorder, violence and unlawful activities, stressing that while peaceful protest was a democratic right, challenging the writ of the state and violating the fundamental rights of citizens could not be tolerated.
Residents also expressed concern over allegations that the prolonged and violent protest had been backed by foreign elements seeking to create unrest and undermine peace in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
They stressed that any attempts to exploit public grievances to fuel instability, disrupt civic life and challenge the state’s writ must be thoroughly investigated, with those found responsible brought to justice in accordance with the law.
