Rawalakot: The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), one of the leading protest groups in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), issued what it described as a 24-hour ultimatum to Pakistani authorities amid an ongoing agitation against the deployment of security forces and a crackdown on activists in the region.
JAAC leader Sardar Amaan Kashmiri, while addressing a public gathering at Rawalakot, warned that the movement would intensify if the group’s demands were not met. Protesters at the rally raised slogans including “Ye Watan Humaara Hai” and pledged to continue demonstrations despite mounting pressure from authorities.
Amaan Kashmiri, in his fiery speech, questioned the deployment of Pakistani Rangers and other security personnel in the region, arguing that Islamabad had no right to increase its military presence in the valley. He also invoked United Nations resolutions while demanding the withdrawal of security forces, as reported by News18.
“Fulfil our demands. We are peaceful people, but do not push us towards violence,” he said, according to videos circulated by protest organisers.
There is growing anger among sections of protesters who have accused Pakistani authorities of suppressing dissent. Amaan Kashmiri further claimed that Kashmiris would not surrender and vowed to continue the movement until their demands were addressed.
The JAAC is spearheading a broader protest campaign. Another senior leader, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, appealed to residents of the Muzaffarabad division to strictly observe a shutdown call issued by the organisation on June 23 and remain prepared for the next phase of agitation.
Women were part of large rallies in several areas following the protest call, with participants demanding the release of detained activists and an end to what organisers described as state repression.
Pakistani security agencies have detained more than 1,500 people during a crackdown over the past three weeks, JAAC leaders have alleged.
Pakistani Rangers raided and vandalised the residence of Shaukat Nawaz Mir during an overnight operation, the organisation has claimed. There was no immediate official response from Pakistani authorities regarding the allegation.
This marks a sharp escalation in tensions between protest groups and the Pakistani administration in PoJK, raising concerns about further unrest if negotiations fail to break the current deadlock.
