Concerning developments from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). We hope and pray for the women and children there who are suffering tremendously under the occupier-settler Pakistani military regime.
🚨Ahead of the planned June 9 strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, occupation authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under bogus anti-terror laws. This led to violent clashes on June 7-8 in Rawalakot, with at least 7 protestors killed by police, and blackouts and arrests following.
The JAAC is a broad civil society coalition of traders, transporters, students, lawyers, and activists, and has organized multiple waves of protests, notably in 2024–2025. With a 38-point charter of demands, their key grievances to Pakistani occupation forces include:
- Economic grievances: High electricity tariffs (despite Pakistan-occupied Kashmir producing hydropower via projects like Mangla Dam and Neelum-Jhelum), rising prices of wheat/flour, inflation, and lack of subsidies that locals say other parts of Pakistan receive. Protesters argue the region is economically exploited without fair benefits.
- Political representation: Demand to abolish 12 reserved seats in the local Legislative Assembly for Kashmiri refugees who migrated after 1947. Locals view these as distorting representation in favor of "outsiders."
- Governance and privileges: End to "elite privileges," downsizing the ministerial cabinet, better healthcare and education, infrastructure development, and accountability for past police actions. Many feel the occupation government is corrupt, inefficient, and overly controlled by Islamabad.
- Broken promises: Earlier agreements from 2025 protests on subsidies, reforms, and compensation were only partially implemented, leading to renewed anger