PoJK Unrest Deepens as JAAC Calls Indefinite Strike
The Joint Awami Action Committee has announced an indefinite strike in PoJK, escalating tensions over government inaction and political legitimacy.
Political and public unrest has reached a boiling point in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has announced an indefinite shutdown and wheel-jam strike across the region. The decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between local protesters and the authorities over long-pending grievances and alleged government negligence.
Markets and Transport to Halt Amidst Shutdown
The JAAC has issued a formal call to traders to keep all markets closed and has urged residents to suspend all transport services until their demands are met. This move follows months of a frustrating deadlock, with protesters claiming that the administration has repeatedly delayed meaningful dialogue and failed to honor previous commitments.
The strike aims to put maximum pressure on the administration, effectively paralyzing daily life in the region as the standoff intensifies.
Allegations of a "Puppet Government"
Umar Nazir Kashmiri, a Core Member of the Joint Awami Action Committee, has leveled harsh criticisms against the current political setup. He alleged that the authorities have been "joking" with the protesters for the past four months, failing to form a serious committee or engage in genuine negotiations.
Kashmiri expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current leadership, claiming that the government lacks a democratic mandate. "The government was not formed, but an unelected person was made Prime Minister and another person, who belongs to this establishment, was appointed," he stated. He further noted that the failure to conduct elections has left the people's mandate unrepresented, leading to what the committee describes as an "imposed puppet government."
Clashes and Casualties Reported
The situation on the ground has turned violent, with reports emerging of clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The JAAC has accused the authorities of using excessive force to suppress the protests, leading to casualties among the youth.
Specific incidents of violence have been highlighted:
- Dadyal: A sit-in at an entry point was met with force, resulting in the death of a young man.
- Panjeri: Reports indicate that many young people sustained injuries during clashes yesterday.
As the indefinite strike continues, the region remains on edge. The escalating confrontation raises urgent questions about whether the administration will take concrete steps to address the protesters' grievances or if the cycle of violence and shutdowns will continue to deepen the crisis in PoJK.