Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Under Siege: Protests Over Alleged Military Excesses Intensify | Exclusive
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Under Siege: Protests Over Alleged Military Excesses Intensify | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: July 05, 2026, 14:17 IST In anticipation of the
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Under Siege: Protests Over Alleged Military Excesses Intensify | Exclusive Reported By, Last Updated: July 05, 2026, 14:17 IST In anticipation of the July 5 protest call, security has been placed on high alert in Muzaffarabad Rapid Read The protest movement witnessed large sit-ins, shutter-down strikes, and demonstrations across several towns. (X/@JAAC__Official) Thousands of protesters gathered across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Saturday as the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) launched a region-wide protest and strike, alleging military excesses and demanding the release of detained leaders, withdrawal of security forces, and restoration of internet services. The protest movement, spearheaded by the Awami Action Committee and supported by civil society groups, witnessed large sit-ins, shutter-down strikes, and demonstrations across several towns. Protesters raised slogans including ‘Ye Watan Hamara Hai’ as crowds assembled in Rawalakot and other parts of the region. According to sources, a voluntary shutter-down and wheel-jam strike is underway across PoK, while thousands of people, including children, youth, senior citizens, and women, have joined protest sites in convoys from different areas.
Security Tightened Across Muzaffarabad In anticipation of the July 5 protest call, security has been placed on high alert in Muzaffarabad. Police and Rangers personnel have been deployed at major entry and exit points, key intersections, and other sensitive locations, with extensive security arrangements in place across the capital, according to sources. Women Join Demonstrations Kashmiri women also took to the streets in support of the JAAC’s protest call, demanding their rights and alleging oppression and excesses in the region. Demonstrators called for the immediate release of JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, urged the Pakistan government to accept the protesters’ demands, and sought the withdrawal of Rangers personnel to help normalise the situation. Several women participating in the protests said the agitation would continue until their demands were addressed. Calls for Peaceful Demonstrations JAAC core member Umar Nazir Kashmiri appealed to protesters to remain peaceful despite the heightened security presence. “The forces will try to provoke you, but you must remain peaceful under all circumstances," he said.
He also urged demonstrators not to damage government buildings or public property, saying they belonged to the people, and called on participants to remain united and steadfast. Core Committee member Abid Shaheen appealed to the public to participate in large numbers and said a formal declaration would be issued following the protest demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir. Demand for Internet Restoration Protesters also demanded the immediate restoration of internet services, claiming that the prolonged disruption has severely affected freelancers, online teachers, students, e-commerce workers, and others dependent on digital connectivity for their livelihoods. According to protesters, the internet shutdown has also disrupted communication between overseas Kashmiris and their families, causing anxiety and hardship. Overseas Demonstrations Planned The Awami Action Committee has also announced solidarity demonstrations by overseas Kashmiris, including a planned march in London and protests outside Pakistani diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom and other countries. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has also announced its participation in the London demonstration, according to organisers.
The BriefWire