Escalating Unrest and Crackdown in PoJK, 4 Action Committee Leaders Declared Proclaimed Offenders

SRINAGAR: Authorities in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have intensified their crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), declaring four of its key leaders Shoukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad and Sardar Amaan Khan as proclaimed offenders and announcing a cash reward of Rs 10 million for information leading to their arrest.

According to an official notification issued by the "Azad Jammu & Kashmir's" Home Department in Muzaffarabad, the reward will be granted under provisions of the Police Rules, 1934, and the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

The move comes as part of a broader campaign against the JAAC, which has been formally declared a proscribed organisation under anti-terror laws, with authorities directing security agencies to intensify operations and ensure strict enforcement of the ban.

The action against JAAC leadership coincides with a rapidly deteriorating security situation across PoJK, where the organisation has been spearheading a widespread agitation. What began as a protest movement rooted in economic grievances particularly rising inflation, high electricity tariffs, shortages of subsidised wheat, and demands for governance reforms has evolved into a large-scale confrontation between demonstrators and the state. The agitation also reflects deeper political discontent, including opposition to the reservation of 12 legislative seats for refugees, which protesters argue undermines local representation and autonomy.

The unrest turned violent over the weekend, with Rawalakot emerging as the epicentre of clashes. Triggered in part by the reported killing of a trader and later an activist in alleged police firing, thousands of protesters gathered outside a hospital mortuary, leading to a tense standoff with security forces. Attempts by police and paramilitary units to disperse the crowd escalated into violent confrontations, with authorities alleging that protesters used firearms, petrol bombs and other weapons, while demonstrators accused security forces of indiscriminate firing and excessive force.

Casualty figures from the clashes vary across reports, but multiple sources indicate significant loss of life and injuries. Official accounts cited around 11 deaths and over 70 injuries, including both civilians and security personnel, while other estimates suggest the toll may be considerably higher, with claims of dozens killed and hundreds injured during the crackdown.

The violence has also led to mass arrests, with authorities detaining scores of JAAC members and deploying thousands of additional security personnel to regain control of the region.

As the situation spiralled, the administration imposed sweeping restrictions, including the suspension of mobile and internet services, road blockades, and heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces. Various cities and towns experienced shutdowns, with markets closed, transport halted and daily life severely disrupted.

Security measures were aimed at curbing mobilisation and preventing the spread of protests to other districts, but they also contributed to heightened tensions and further alienation among residents.

Some officials in Muzaffarabad and Islamabad have publicly suggested that elements within the JAAC movement may be influenced or encouraged by India. Similar suspicions have been echoed in sections of the Pakistani media and by certain commentators, who have questioned whether the agitation reflects external involvement. However, these claims remain largely speculative and have not been substantiated with concrete evidence.

Despite the escalating violence, PoJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has offered talks to address the grievances of the protesters. However, previous rounds of negotiations between JAAC and authorities have failed to yield results, particularly over the implementation of the Muzaffarabad Agreement, a 2025 accord that had promised economic relief and structural reforms but remains largely unfulfilled.

The breakdown of dialogue has reinforced public distrust and fuelled the current wave of agitation.

The developments have drawn sharp international attention, including a strong reaction from India. On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised Pakistan for what he described as “brutality” and “severe police violence” against protesters in PoJK. He accused Islamabad of attempting to deflect attention from its internal failings through misinformation and called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights abuses. His remarks came amid reports of multiple fatalities and injuries resulting from the security crackdown on demonstrators.

Local political watchers believe that, overall, the situation in PoJK reflects a volatile mix of economic distress, political dissatisfaction and heavy-handed state response. They said the designation of JAAC as a banned organisation, the targeting of its leadership, and the continued use of force against protesters have deepened the crisis, raising concerns about further escalation unless a credible political resolution is reached.