The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claims that several activists’ bodies, killed in clashes with law enforcement in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), have yet to be returned to their families, highlighting this as a primary demand amid the region’s ongoing unrest, as reported by Dawn.
Protesters took to the streets for the third day of shutdown in PoJK, sparked by confrontations near Rawalakot that resulted in one activist’s death and injuries to others. The slain activist, identified as 32-year-old Sohban Arif from Sudhnoti district, became a symbol for a movement demanding the return of bodies, release of detained members, and removal of JAAC bans.
An internet shutdown hasn’t deterred thousands from gathering in Rawalakot, met by heavy security as authorities brace for further unrest. Amnesty International condemned Pakistan’s forceful crackdown on these protests, criticizing the move as a violation of human rights and calling the designation of JAAC as a terrorist organization unlawful and disproportionate.
