35 More Detained As PoK Unrest Enters Day 19; Food Blockade, Internet Blackout Continues
35 More Detained As PoK Unrest Enters Day 19; Food Blockade, Internet Blackout Continues Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 10:58 IST
35 More Detained As PoK Unrest Enters Day 19; Food Blockade, Internet Blackout Continues Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 10:58 IST PoK remains paralysed by shutdowns, shortages and arrests as anti-government protests persist, with diaspora groups joining calls against Pakistan's crackdown. Local residents walk on an empty road during a strike called by JAAC in Muzaffarabad (Photo: AP) Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) remained gripped by unrest on Saturday as massive anti-government protests entered their 19th day, with demonstrators vowing to continue their resistance despite an intensified crackdown by Pakistani authorities, CNN-News18 has learnt. According to exclusive details, Pakistan has imposed what protesters describe as a complete food blockade across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while internet services remain suspended and major roads continue to be shut. The restrictions have severely disrupted daily life across the region, with reports of shortages of essential supplies and growing public anger. The latest developments come amid an escalating confrontation between authorities and supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has emerged as the face of the ongoing protest movement.
Sources told CNN-News18 that around 35 more Kashmiris were arrested on Saturday as part of the continuing crackdown. Protest leaders claim that more than 1,435 Kashmiris have either been detained or remain missing since the military-led operation began. The arrests come as authorities continue to target supporters of the JAAC, whose leaders have rejected pressure to abandon the movement. According to the details, JAAC leaders have vowed to continue their agitation and refuse to surrender in the face of what they describe as military aggression by Pakistan. The Awami Action Committee has also warned that it is prepared to adopt alternative forms of resistance if the crackdown intensifies further. REGION-WIDE SHUTDOWN CONTINUES The ongoing turmoil has effectively brought large parts of PoK to a standstill. A territory-wide shutdown had halted normal life across Pakistan-administered Kashmir after the region witnessed its deadliest unrest in years. Reuters reported that at least 24 people had been killed during nearly two weeks of protests. The unrest began ahead of a June 9 strike called by the JAAC against the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the July 27 elections to the region’s 45-member legislative assembly.
Thousands of JAAC supporters had gathered on the outskirts of Rawalakot, about 100 kilometres south of Muzaffarabad, while authorities responded by shutting major roads, blocking internet access and restricting media access in much of the region. Regional police chief Liaqat Ali Malik told Reuters that four police officers had been killed, 97 wounded, and 515 people detained during the unrest. FOOD SHORTAGES AND ECONOMIC DISTRESS The prolonged shutdown has triggered severe economic hardship and shortages of essential goods. According to Reuters, labourers, traders and transport workers have struggled to earn a living since the shutdown began. Banking services, ATMs and petrol stations have also been affected due to internet disruptions and official restrictions. Residents quoted by Reuters described worsening conditions as markets remained largely shut and economic activity collapsed. Residents also separately told AFP they were struggling to obtain medicines and food supplies as prolonged closures affected supply chains. Authorities, however, maintained that efforts were being made to prevent shortages of essential commodities. The unrest has also drawn reactions from the Kashmiri diaspora abroad. According to CNN-News18, Kashmiri demonstrators staged protests outside the Pakistani Consulate in Glasgow, Scotland, demanding the immediate withdrawal of Pakistani forces from PoK and expressing solidarity with those participating in the ongoing movement.
The BriefWire