Amid the intensifying political unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government in Islamabad, threatening a grand and final response on July 9, if their conditions remain unfulfilled.
In a formal declaration, the committee announced that its ongoing sit-in protest will continue indefinitely until all its demands are fulfilled. It has also called upon residents across PoJK and members of the Kashmiri diaspora to participate in the protest on 9 July.
Meanwhile, reports said police action by Pakistani authorities intensified on Sunday against protesters demonstrating against the crackdown and the reported arrest of more than 600 civil rights activists in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Reports of shelling, firing and clashes have emerged from several parts of Muzaffarabad.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets, demanding an end to the alleged blockade, restoration of communication services, uninterrupted supply of food and medicines, release of detained leaders, and implementation of a 38-point written agreement.
The protests have intensified since Pakistan banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Protest organisers have alleged that more than 600 workers and political leaders have been arrested, while authorities have imposed an economic blockade by restricting the supply of food, flour and essential medicines.
