JAAC Alleges Widespread Disruptions in PoJK Amid Ongoing Shutdown
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has asserted that normal life in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has remained paralyzed for the past 12 days, contradicting official claims that the situation is stabilizing. In a statement posted on X, the committee detailed severe disruptions to schools, hospitals, markets, transport services, and internet connectivity across the region.
JAAC accused Pakistan's national media of broadcasting visuals that suggest normalcy, while the ground reality is markedly different. The committee claimed that markets in Rawalakot have been largely shut under an undeclared curfew imposed on June 6, followed by a declared curfew on June 9.
Dispute Over Official Statements and Protest Numbers
JAAC directly challenged remarks attributed to PoJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore, who reportedly stated that the public had rejected a sit-in by "troublemakers" and that only a handful of protesters remained at Dar-e-Aid Grounds. Rejecting this, JAAC said, "The ground reality is entirely different," adding that journalists returning from the protest site were reporting a situation contrary to the official narrative.
The committee further alleged that authorities had managed to reopen less than 15 percent of markets in the Mirpur Division, while shortages of food, medicines, and other essential supplies were beginning to emerge due to the prolonged shutdown.
Political Process Disrupted, Leaders Forced to Submit Absentee Nominations
JAAC also claimed that the ongoing unrest has disrupted the political process, alleging that several prominent political leaders and electoral candidates have been forced to submit "absentee nomination papers." It accused mainstream political parties of remaining absent from the region while addressing the crisis through press conferences in Islamabad.
Questioning Pakistan's political leadership, the committee alleged that those who had governed the region for decades were responsible for the current situation. "If foreign hands are involved, then what flowers have you been cultivating here for the past seventy years?" JAAC asked, accusing political leaders of invoking patriotism only when their own interests were threatened.
