MUZAFFARABAD: Businesses and transport services have resumed across much of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after weeks of disruption, with traders calling for peaceful dialogue and rejecting further shutdowns that they say have severely affected livelihoods and the local economy.
The development comes after the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) deferred its planned long march on Muzaffarabad amid renewed back-channel efforts to resolve the standoff through negotiations.
In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), resident Fazal Ghafoor told WE News English that life had “almost returned to normal,” with around 80% of shops, markets and commercial establishments resuming business.
“Nearly 80% of shops, markets and commercial centres have reopened. The remaining businesses are expected to resume operations from Friday. People want to return to their normal lives after weeks of disruption.”
In Mirpur, residents said life had returned to normal, with markets, fruit and vegetable shops, government offices and other businesses reopening after the prolonged shutdown.
Sajid Tanoli, a resident of Mirpur, told WE News English that roads were fully open and traffic had returned to normal.
“The roads are open, traffic has resumed and markets are bustling again. People are relieved that normal life has returned and hope the remaining issues will be resolved through peaceful dialogue.”
Residents said a similar situation was witnessed in Jhelum Valley, Neelum Valley and other parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where transport services, markets and commercial activities have largely resumed after weeks of disruption.
The proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Wednesday postponed its planned long march on Muzaffarabad following back-channel contacts involving influential intermediaries that raised hopes of a negotiated settlement to the ongoing standoff.
The development came as efforts continued to ease tensions after weeks of protests and disruptions across parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Commercial Activity Rebounds
The reopening followed a joint decision by traders’ organisations and transport operators to resume business after a strike that had disrupted commercial activity in some parts of the region.
Major roads in Muzaffarabad are once again witnessing regular traffic, while passenger transport has resumed on local and inter-district routes.
Markets dealing in essential commodities, pharmacies and healthcare services are operating normally, although some businesses that rely heavily on digital payments continue to report difficulties because of internet-related disruptions.
Transporters said services have improved following assurances over security and fuel availability, but noted that operations on some routes are still recovering.
The AJK government, meanwhile, has warned the banned organisation against organising further demonstrations and said it would be held responsible for any untoward incidents arising from planned protests.
Political Focus Shifts to Elections
With commercial activity returning and campaigning accelerating, political attention in AJK has increasingly shifted towards the forthcoming general elections.
Authorities say efforts are continuing to restore normal services across the region after weeks of unrest, while security remains on alert to prevent any renewed disruption.
Several traders told WE News English that the prolonged shutdown had inflicted heavy financial losses and urged all groups to avoid disrupting commercial activity in the future.
Traders across Muzaffarabad said they opposed further shutdowns, arguing that weeks of disruption had severely affected businesses, disrupted supply chains and reduced customer footfall.
Traders Urge Dialogue as Business Returns to Normal
Murad Abbasi, a grocery shop owner in Muzaffarabad, told WE News English that violence was not a solution to any issue and urged the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to resolve its differences with the authorities through dialogue.
“Violence is never the solution to any problem. The JAAC leadership should sit with the authorities and resolve the issue through negotiations. Prolonged unrest only causes hardship for ordinary people and damages livelihoods.”
Jalil Qayum, who owns a milk shop in Muzaffarabad’s main market, said the strikes had inflicted heavy losses on businesses and disrupted daily life across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
“People have suffered enough, and I believe the people of AJK will no longer support prolonged shutdowns. Every problem in the world can be resolved through negotiations and peaceful means. I urge the JAAC leadership to come to the table and resolve the issues through dialogue rather than confrontation.”
Malik Naveed, a taxi driver in Muzaffarabad, told WE News English that the reopening of roads was essential for restoring public transport, economic activity and the daily lives of thousands of people across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
“I am strongly against violence. With the elections approaching, people should exercise their right to vote freely and express their views through the democratic process. Democracy is the best way to resolve differences, and every issue should be addressed through dialogue and peaceful means, not violence or prolonged protests.”
Home Secretary Accuses JAAC of Spreading “Baseless Propaganda”
Meanwhile, AJK Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain accused the proscribed JAAC of orchestrating campaigns based on what he described as “baseless claims and propaganda” aimed at inciting people against the state.
Speaking at a press conference, Hussain alleged that the banned organisation had used women and children as “human shields” after its leadership failed to fulfil promises made to its supporters.
He said such actions were not only unethical but also contrary to “Kashmiri values.”
“Distracting students from their education means playing with their futures,” Hussain said.
The home secretary said the JAAC had promoted anti-state narratives, blocked roads, restricted public movement and disrupted the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
“All these actions prove that JAAC’s actual purpose is not to protect the rights of the people but to damage AJK’s peace, economy and law and order,” he said.
