The ongoing protest movement spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan has intensified, amplifying demands concerning wheat price hikes, Finance Act 2023, load shedding, and an array of other grievances, swiftly gaining attraction across the region. Widespread protest sit-ins in key areas including Skardu Yadgar Shahada, Gilgit Ghari Bagh, Diamar Dariel, Hunza, Ghazar, and various other locations were witnessed yesterday.

The demonstrators, rallying under the banner of the Awami Action Committee, delivered a resolute message to the occupying government, affirming that unless their public demands are met, the intensity of the protest movement will escalate continuously.

The protest at Gilgit Ghari Bagh drew participation from diverse political, social figures, and stakeholders. Chief Coordinator, Comrade Ehsan Advocate , emphasized that the Committee’s movement is dedicated to the welfare of the impoverished in Pak-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan and future generations. He urged active involvement, especially from the youth, to champion their future and ensure the movement’s success. Highlighting the disparities, he pointed out the puppet government’s misaligned priorities, focused on personal interests and corruption, rather than addressing fundamental issues such as education, employment, electricity, and healthcare.

Undeterred, Ehsan Advocate reiterated the commitment to persist until these perceived injustices are rectified, announcing daily symbolic sit-ins as part of their ongoing movement. Coordinators Fida Hussain, Sakhidullah Khan, Malik Aurangzeb, Abrar Baguru, Zaheer Qasmi, Hajit Ali, Haji Kuman, Javed Qureshi, Fida Itsar, Nizamuddin, and other leaders also voiced their concerns and objectives during the protest in Gilgit.

The fervent demonstrations underscore a growing call for socio-economic reforms, demanding immediate revocation of earlier wheat price and a more inclusive governance that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the people of Pak- occupied Gilgit-Baltistan.

Amid bone-chilling temperatures, a diverse congregation of locals and tourists gathered at Lal Chowk, transforming the historic square into a vibrant hub of New Year festivities. The occasion, marked by colourful installations representing unity and hope, saw an amalgamation of cultures transcending divides.

The celebratory atmosphere heightened as the clock edged closer to midnight, with attendees enthusiastically singing and dancing to Bollywood tunes, filling the air with infectious joy. The famous clock tower, which underwent significant renovation before the G20 summit last year, served as the focal point for these exuberant celebrations.

Notable figures, including Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner and CEO of Srinagar Smart City, Athar Aamir Khan, lauded the occasion, terming it as a significant milestone for the city.

The event’s energy was palpable on social media, as the crowd, a blend of locals and visitors, captured the festivities on their mobile phones. The singer on stage created an electrifying ambiance, captivating all present.

However, Lal Chowk’s significance extends beyond merriment, deeply rooted in the region’s tumultuous political history. Since 1947, the Clock Tower has stood witness to Jammu and Kashmir’s strife, witnessing tragic episodes of violence since the 1990s. Political figures also utilized the platform, hoisting flags and delivering impassioned speeches, making potent statements.

Moreover, these celebrations hold profound psychological importance, particularly since the onset of insurgency in the 1990s. Post the revocation of Article 370, Lal Chowk has symbolically represented the inseparable integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.

The rejuvenation of Lal Chowk as a hub for unity and celebration marks a pivotal moment in the city’s narrative, showcasing resilience, harmony, and a collective spirit that transcends divisive past narratives.

In a significant shift towards community involvement in law enforcement, the Jammu and Kashmir Police unveiled a novel initiative, announcing cash rewards for vital information aiding the crackdown on cross-border tunnels, drugs smuggling, and militant recruitment.

For the first time, the police have extended monetary incentives ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh for actionable intelligence that facilitates the arrest or elimination of militants, dismantles narcotics smuggling networks, exposes cross-border tunnels, or reveals intelligence about illicit cross-border drone movements.

In a social media post, the J&K Police affirmed, “Cash rewards will be granted to individuals furnishing information on trans-border tunnels, drones, narcotics, terror activities, and terrorists. Public cooperation can be extended by contacting district SSPs, ensuring confidentiality of informants.

Highest reward of Rs. 12.5 lakh

“The highest reward, amounting to Rs 12.5 lakh, has been earmarked for specific information leading to the neutralization or apprehension of a category ‘A’ militant, while a reward of Rs 2 lakh is designated for a category ‘C’ militant.

While this initiative isn’t the first instance of the police offering rewards for militant-related intelligence, it marks the inaugural implementation of cash incentives for information about individuals inciting recruitment into terrorist groups.

Notably, the police have previously allocated rewards of up to Rs 10 lakh for information on wanted terrorists, utilizing undisclosed funds to manage informant relations. They have also pledged Rs 5 lakh for intel leading to the dismantling of cross-border tunnels facilitating terrorist activities.

Moreover, a reward of Rs 3 lakh has been specified for information pinpointing cross-border drone sightings involved in drugs smuggling, dropping narcotics or explosives, and Rs 2 lakh for exposing inter-state narcotics networks. Further, a Rs 2 lakh bounty has been outlined for intel on individuals communicating with militant handlers within J&K or their agents, and a Rs 1 lakh reward for information identifying individuals inciting terrorist affiliations in mosques, madrassas, or educational institutions.

This paradigm shift in incentivizing community involvement seeks to augment intelligence gathering, bolstering law enforcement’s efforts in combating militancy and thwarting smuggling activities while ensuring informant confidentiality.