Mass protests swept across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for demonstrations against what it described as a widening crackdown by Pakistani authorities. The protests were triggered by the arrest of senior JAAC leaders, including core committee member Shaukat Nawaz Mir, with the group demanding their immediate release.
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Despite heightened security measures, thousands of people gathered in several towns across the region. The JAAC said the protests were aimed at demanding fundamental rights and opposing what it called growing political repression. Demonstrations also spread overseas, with members of the Kashmiri diaspora staging rallies in countries including New Zealand.
The developments mark a sharp escalation in the weeks-long agitation led by the civil rights group, which has accused the Pakistani administration of suppressing peaceful dissent. The latest demonstrations come amid reports of mass arrests, increased surveillance and calls for a boycott of local elections due later this month.
Thousands gather despite security clampdown
According to the JAAC, nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and elderly residents, gathered at the Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan Sports Stadium in Abbaspur. Similar rallies and sit-ins were reported from several other parts of PoK, with large groups continuing to arrive at a protest site in Dera Ismail Khan.
The committee said women from Rawalakot and Chak were also leading peaceful street demonstrations, describing the movement as one that now spans different age groups and communities.
JAAC alleges use of force against protesters
The committee alleged that Pakistani security forces opened fire and shelled a civilian gathering at Dudial's AMB area, leaving several protesters seriously injured.
The Tehreek-e-Insaf party alleged that one person was killed and several injured in the firing.
It also accused authorities of arresting hundreds of activists following the detention of Shaukat Nawaz Mir. In a post on X, the JAAC wrote, "Ghulam is under their control. Shah is in captivity...", urging people to join the campaign under the hashtag ReleaseShoukatNawazMir.
Aman Khan calls for support
Videos circulating on social media showed JAAC core member Sardar Aman Khan appealing for support, claiming residents were facing shortages of essential supplies.
"To those in Mendhar, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda... we appeal to the people there. On this side, there is a shortage of rations, a shortage of medicines, and we need your help. We need your help," Khan said.
In another speech, he urged supporters to remain resolute.
"Should we step towards the ceasefire line or not? Tell me loudly, should we step forward or not?" he asked, with the crowd responding, "Yes!"
Turning towards journalists, Khan continued: "Writers, write this down! See this! And people, tell me more loudly, should we step towards the ceasefire line or not?"
He also warned authorities against using force, saying: "That is why we say to them that on this Kashmiri spirit and political stance, if the response is bullets, then we also have options. Don't complain tomorrow, don't express regret tomorrow that you felt bad."
Concluding his address, Khan added: "We are not people according to your temperament. If you offer loyalty, we'll offer loyalty; if you offer cruelty, we'll offer cruelty. We are humans just like you. Whatever you do, we will do the same, God willing. There is nothing more to say than that."
Call for half a million demonstrators
Ahead of Sunday's protests, the JAAC appealed for peaceful demonstrations across PoK, urging residents to carry white flags and maintain discipline.
The committee estimated that if around 50,000 people from each of the region's 10 districts participated, turnout could reach 500,000.
"Come out peacefully for your rights. Hold a white flag, demonstrate discipline, and maintain peace," the committee said, adding that the aim was to show the international community that "we are only demanding our rights, and our protest is completely peaceful."
