'Movement Continues': PoK Protest Leaders Deny Deal, Plan Fresh Shutdown And July 23 Show of Strength
'Movement Continues': PoK Protest Leaders Deny Deal, Plan Fresh Shutdown And July 23 Show of Strength Reported By, Last Updated: July 21, 2026, 15:28 IST
'Movement Continues': PoK Protest Leaders Deny Deal, Plan Fresh Shutdown And July 23 Show of Strength Reported By, Last Updated: July 21, 2026, 15:28 IST The JAAC also extended full support to a July 22 shutdown called to press for the release of Shokat Nawaz Mir, a core member of the organisation who remains in custody Rapid Read Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) gather as they shout slogans during a week-long protest in Rawalakot. (File pic/AFP) The political agitation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has shown no signs of slowing, with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) dismissing speculation of a breakthrough with the authorities and announcing a fresh round of protests over the coming days. In a statement, the committee said rumours circulating on social media about a negotiated settlement were “unfounded propaganda".
While acknowledging that dialogue with the authorities was continuing, it clarified that no final agreement had been reached. “Our peaceful sit-in and movement are ongoing and uninterrupted," the JAAC said, adding that any decision would be formally announced only by its core committee members. The organisation urged supporters to remain organised and prepare for programmes scheduled for July 23, which leaders described as a “very important day" for the movement. Ahead of that, the JAAC extended full support to a July 22 shutdown called by the Central Anjuman Tajiran Muzaffarabad to press for the release of Shokat Nawaz Mir, a core member of the organisation who remains in custody. Appealing to traders in Neelum Valley, JAAC core member Raja Ikhlaq Ahmad urged markets across the region to remain shut in solidarity with the protest call.
Senior JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmiri also appealed to residents of Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions to come out in large numbers for demonstrations and sit-ins on July 23. Calling it a crucial day for the movement, Kashmiri said an “important announcement" would be made on July 23, although he did not elaborate on its nature. The committee’s core leadership was also scheduled to meet on Monday to finalise the strategy for the next phase of protests, including a proposed long march towards Muzaffarabad. Meanwhile, JAAC leader Raja Ghulam Mujtaba claimed the movement had begun attracting international attention. “Our peaceful struggle has reached the global forums. I have been saying since day one that we will surely succeed," he said. The latest announcements indicate that the agitation in PoK is set to intensify further despite ongoing talks, with protest leaders signalling that demonstrations will continue until their key demands, including the release of detained leaders, are addressed.
The BriefWire