Muzaffarabad (PoJK), June 5: The simmering anger in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) against Pakistan is set to erupt again on June 9 when an indefinite agitation will be launched by the locals.
The agitation has been called by Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a conglomerate of several local organisations, for the continued injustice being meted out to the people of the occupied region by Pakistan.
The latest provocation is the betrayal by Pakistan on its certain commitments made to the people under an agreement signed with JAAC in October last year following widespread protests.
The agreement was arrived upon between the Pakistan government, the PoJK administration and JAAC representatives to address a 32-point charter of demands.
The charter included a reduction in electricity tariffs, wheat subsidies, payment of hydropower royalties, abolition of elite privileges and a series of structural governance reforms.
However, most of the key commitments have not been fulfilled by Pakistan, triggering renewed public outrage and fresh mobilization.
Last month, JAAC leaders met in Mirpur and issued an ultimatum to the authorities, demanding full implementation of the agreement by May 31, 2026.
The group had warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in a fresh protest movement.
Multiple rounds of talks between JAAC, led by Shaukat Nawaz Mir, and representatives of the Pakistan federal government and the PoK administration failed to produce a breakthrough before the deadline expired.
On May 31, JAAC announced an indefinite strike beginning June 9.
JAAC leaders, apprehending crackdown by the Pakistani authorities, have also publicly warned of what they describe as an expected crackdown by the Pakistani establishment.
According to the group, authorities may resort to enforced disappearances, registration of what they term “fake” FIRs, anti-terrorism charges against activists, internet shutdowns and deployment of paramilitary forces to suppress the protests.
According to reports, the Pakistani military is mobilizing troops and resorting to disinformation campaigns against the movement leaders.
However, a showdown is likely as the JAAC leaders are determined to go ahead with the agitation.
The call for the agitation is receiving support from the Kashmiri diaspora across the world.
United Jammu Kashmir Forum US (UJKF-USA), a New York-based organisation, issued a statement, announcing full support for the June 9 protest and said it will organize “large-scale protests” in front of the Pakistani Consulate in New York, the Pakistani Embassy in Washington DC and the United Nations office.
It said letters will also be sent to members of the US Congress to “inform them of the current situation” in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the public demands.
The UJKF-USA described the June 9 protest as “the voice of the people” of the Pakistan-occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed their determination to stand by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee and continue to fully support it.
It pledged to provide all possible human, financial and moral support “in the struggle for the legitimate demands and rights” of the people of PoJK.
It said, “if, like in the past, any kind of violence or coercion is committed against the people peacefully protesting by the government of Pakistan or Azad Kashmir (POJK), Kashmiris living around the world will launch a joint and coordinated protest campaign through mutual communication.”
Moreover, letters will also be sent to international human rights organizations to inform them of the situation and the protest will continue, it said. (NVI)
