Exactly a month after the Pakistani authorities banned the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) in an attempt to crush the ongoing protests by unarmed civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), the unrest has escalated, with demonstrations spreading to different parts of the region and several civilians reportedly losing their lives.
The JKJAAC was banned by the Pakistani authorities on June 5 after it was designated as a terrorist organisation.
Formed in 2023 to protest electricity tariff hikes imposed by the federal government, the JKJAAC emerged to fill what its supporters describe as a local leadership vacuum created by the inability of elected representatives to effectively challenge Islamabad. Critics allege that Pakistan exercises significant control over local politics through mainstream political parties, reducing elections to a mere façade.
They also allege that the 12 reserved refugee seats, filled by representatives residing outside the region, are systematically used to influence the legislative assembly. Ahead of the July 27 elections, the JKJAAC launched major protests to pressure Islamabad, prompting what activists describe as a military-led crackdown.
Since banning the JKJAAC on June 5, Pakistani authorities have intensified their crackdown across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Massive anti-Pakistan protests have reportedly erupted across PoJK following the crackdown and the arrest of more than 600 civil rights activists.
Enraged over the arrest of prominent activist Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the JKJAAC has openly challenged the Pakistani government and appealed for India’s support and cooperation to end Islamabad’s brutalities in PoJK.
A video has gone viral on social media in which Sardar Aman Khan, a senior member of the JKJAAC, highlighted alleged shortages of essential supplies, systematic repression, and the humanitarian situation in the region under Pakistani administration.
Sardar Aman Khan Core member of JAAC seek support to the peoples of (POJK) and the masses of Srinagar, Ladakh, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar and Jammu to protest in their favour on 5th july. They are planning a big protest there on 5th july… pic.twitter.com/gnrcUs46su
— War & Gore (@Goreunit) July 4, 2026
Addressing a large gathering, Khan appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially of Mendhar, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda, that there was a shortage of ration and medicines in the entire PoJK. “We need your support at this crucial time”, Khan urged in the video.
Highlighting what he described as the growing frustration among local residents, Khan called for an end to the ceasefire line and appealed to people across the divide for support.
He said, “We want to end the ceasefire line, and we need your support. My appeal to the people on the other side is to come forward. As I said, we have kept the door open for political dialogue.”
Criticising the actions of the Pakistani authorities, Khan warned that local residents would no longer bow to Islamabad’s pressure.
He told the gathering, “If anyone thinks we are trapped because of our weakness, they are mistaken. No one is trapped. God willing, we will show you the way.”
In another video circulating on social media, Khan is seen asking a crowd of protesters, “Should we move towards the Ceasefire Line (LoC) or not? Tell us loudly, should we move or not?” The crowd responds in the affirmative.
Warning the Pakistani authorities against the use of force against peaceful protesters, Khan said the people of the region were prepared to respond if repression continued.
Khan said, “If bullets are fired in response to Kashmiri sentiments and political aspirations, we also have options. Don’t regret it tomorrow.”
Sardar Aman Khan, Core member of JAAC (POJK) appeals to people from Srinagar, Ladakh, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar and Jammu to stand in solidarity on 5th July with them as JAAC plans to protest against the blatant human rights abuses Pakistan establishment is perpetrating in POJK. pic.twitter.com/sWr5STr6qh
— Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) July 4, 2026
Concluding his address, Khan declared that the people would respond to what he described as Pakistan’s oppression.
He said, “We are not people who will live according to your whims. If you show loyalty, we will show loyalty. If you show cruelty, we will respond accordingly. We are human beings like you.”
Khan appealed to people living in the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Baramulla, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Jammu, Ladakh, Kargil, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other areas to support the residents of PoJK.
Despite the ongoing crackdown, many residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir appear determined to continue their protest movement.
Supporters of the movement argue that Pakistan treats the people of PoJK as colonial subjects by denying them basic rights while exploiting the region’s resources.
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