The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is leading the anti-government protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has announced a ‘long march’ till Muzaffarabad on July 15. This step has been taken after the expiry of the ultimatum given to the Pakistan government. This ultimatum included demands for the release of detained leaders, implementation of the Charter of Demands and an end to the security crackdown.
The Joint Awami Action Committee has announced that if their demands are not met, then on July 15, groups of people (convoys) from different districts will gather in Muzaffarabad. The organization has warned that after July 14, they can further intensify the movement by going beyond their existing 38-point charter, which is indicative of a larger political movement.
What are the demands?
- Release of arrested JAAC leaders and activists
- Withdrawal of security actions and restoration of communication services
- Implementation of pre-determined 38-point charter
- Better political representation and improved governance
- Better access to electricity, food supplies and essential services
Possibility of clash between protesters and security forces
In fact, the ‘Long March’ of July 15 marks a major upswing in the ongoing movement led by JAAC. It has the potential to further escalate political instability in PoJK, challenge Pakistan’s administrative control and, if force is used, draw national and world attention. A large number of people from Rawalkot, Mirpur, Kotli, Bagh and other districts are likely to participate in this proposed march, and there may also be mass shutdown and stalling of vehicles.
According to reports, Pakistani authorities have increased security around Muzaffarabad and hope to prevent protesters from reaching the capital, increasing the possibility of clashes. In fact, given the recent deaths, arrests and ongoing security crackdown, if talks fail, there is a high probability of further clashes between protesters and security forces.
Situation tense in PoK
The security situation in PoK remains tense as 8 major protests took place in several districts ahead of the Joint Awami Action Committee’s July 15 protest march. According to reports, 9 people (including a Pakistan Rangers soldier) were killed in the latest clashes in Sudhnoti and Mathiyal Mera. The total number of deaths since June 5 has reached 28, which includes 23 civilians and 5 security personnel.
Due to this unrest, normal life was affected, there were reports of continuous protests, markets and institutions closed, roads blocked and shortage of essential goods. The Joint Awami Action Committee has appealed to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to intervene in the alleged crackdown, while people’s anger towards mainstream political leaders and growing support for the protests were clearly visible on social media.
Sardar Aman Khan described PoJK as occupied area
Pakistan’s official narrative has been openly challenged amid the ongoing mass movement in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoJK) for the last 40 days. Sardar Aman Khan, one of the prominent leaders of the movement, while addressing a huge public meeting, said that PoJK is neither ‘liberated’ nor ‘disputed’ area, but it is an occupied area.
Thousands of people were present in this public meeting organized at Idgah ground of Rawalakot. In his address, Aman Khan directly challenged Pakistan’s long-standing claim and said, ‘This is not a disputed area. This is an occupied area, it has been occupied. After his statement, thousands of people present in the meeting supported him with loud applause and slogans.
This statement of Aman Khan is considered very important amid the public movement that has been going on in Rawalakot for more than 40 days. This is being seen as a direct challenge to Pakistan’s official narrative, in which PoJK is described as ‘Azad Kashmir’. However, no official response has come from Pakistan regarding this statement.
Leave a Reply