At least one political worker was killed and 11 others sustained injuries in a clash between rival political parties in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Kotli area on Saturday. According to police reports, the clash occurred at the Government College Nayal ground, where Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers were preparing for a rally. Activists of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) arrived at the venue and began pelting stones at the PPP workers, resulting in the death of one activist.
Following the deadly clash between the two parties tension between the two parties is high in the region. PPP observed Monday as a black day to protest against the killing of its worker. Prime Minister of AJK held federal government responsible for the sad incident. He said that PPP observed protest against the unreasonable meddling and provocation by federal ministers. He also said that despite of number of requests federal government has neglected to deal with the issue and now he is planning to write to COAS to look into the matter. The AJK information minister too has similarly criticised the PML-N for resorting to violent tactics in an attempt to steal victory in the upcoming elections.
PMLN presented a reasonable suggestion of judicial inquiry to unearth the facts regarding the clash. But Advisor to PM Nawaz Sharif while adding fuel to the fire has asked for resignation of AJK Prime Minister for failing to maintain law and order in AJK.
Statement of PM’s adviser is extremely inappropriate, since AJK’s autonomous status does not allow for such dictation from Pakistan’s federation. Rather than issuing ultimatums, the federal government must exercise restraint and focus its attention on defusing the increasing tensions between the two leading parties.
Leaders of both parties should defuse increasing tension and let inquiry determine the real culprits of the unfortunate incident.