The situation in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) is continuously worsening. After the ban on Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), massive protests have started. 11 people have died in the clashes between protesters and security forces, while more than 70 people have been injured. According to Reuters report, the violence started in Rawalakot city when JAAC supporters gathered outside the mortuary of a hospital. The body of a worker who had died in an earlier firing incident was kept there. During this time there was a clash between the protesters and the security forces.
Last week, JAAC was declared a banned organization under the anti-terrorism law in PoK. After this, the police and paramilitary forces tried to remove people associated with the organization, due to which the situation became tense. Four policemen and a pedestrian died in the violence. After this, six protesters died in the action of security forces. Many people have also been arrested. However, local people and JAAC supporters say that the number of civilian deaths may be higher than the government figures.
The situation in #Rawalakot has reached a critical flashpoint, with violent clashes between security forces and protesters from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) resulting in significant casualties. 1/@ShafiqAhmadAdv3 pic.twitter.com/4L5XLSsAbM
— Fatima Khan (@bibif4743) June 8, 2026
Why are people protesting?
The main reason for the protest is the reservation of 12 seats in the 45-member PoK assembly. These seats have been reserved for those refugees who live outside Kashmir in other parts of Pakistan. JAAC says that this will weaken the political representation of the local people. The organization has demanded withdrawal of this decision.
Apart from this, JAAC has also been raising voice on issues like inflation, power shortage, unemployment, poor administration and political neglect for a long time. In the last two years, the organization has organized several big demonstrations against the rising prices of flour and electricity.
Bandh call and growing concern
JAAC has called a bandh in the entire area on June 9. This bandh was in protest against reserved seats as well as in protest against the ban on the organization, restriction on internet services and the murder of one of its leaders. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the violence. The Commission said that people should have the right to peaceful protest and their grievances should be resolved through dialogue. The Commission has also announced to send a special team to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, JAAC leaders have said that they will continue their agitation despite the ban. Organization leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir alleged that excessive force has been used against people in Rawalakot. Security has been increased in the entire POK ahead of the elections to be held on July 27. Mobile internet services are affected in many areas, large gatherings have been banned and the main office of JAAC has also been sealed.
Also read: If you attack Iran, you will be left alone… Trump’s warning to Netanyahu
Leave a Reply