MUZAFFARABAD: A second round of negotiations is under way between a federal government delegation and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in a bid to end the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where protests have now entered their fourth day.

Shutter-down and wheel-jam strikes have paralysed life across the region amid a communications blackout. At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between protesters and security forces.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the situation, ordered an inquiry into the violence and appealed for calm.

Thursday’s talks between government representatives and JAAC leaders were followed by another session on Friday. Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said most public demands had already been accepted, while a few — including reserved seats for migrants and reduction of ministries — required constitutional amendments.

The federal delegation includes Senator Rana Sanaullah, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira and others. Former AJK leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Sardar Masood Khan are also part of the dialogue. The Awami Action Committee is represented by Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Raja Amjad Advocate and Anjum Zaman.

Read More: PM orders inquiry into AJK violence, appeals for calm

Chaudhry urged restraint, saying violence was not a solution and expressed hope the deadlock could be resolved through peaceful dialogue.