Muzaffarabad (PoJK): On the eve of the agitation called in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), the occupying forces have launched a massive crackdown on members and supporters of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) which is spearheading the protests.
At least one incident of firing by Pakistani military on members of JAAC has been reported, in which 2 Kashmiris have been injured, according to the organisation.
JAAC has called for the indefinite agitatation from Sunday (June 7) against the policies and oppression by Pakistan against locals in PoJK.
Ahead of the agitation, Pakistan has rushed tens of thousands of additional military and para-military personnel to supplement lakhs of those already present in PoJK to crush the protests.
In line with that policy, the Pakistani military has arrested scores of members and supporters of JAAC and is harassing and threatening thousands of others to dissuade them from joining the agitation.
The nervous State of Pakistan has declared the JAAC an outlawed organisation, claiming it was a threat to Pakistan.
JAAC has called for the agitation to press Pakistan to accept a 32-point Charter of Demands, which mainly includes freedom of speech, right over the resources of PoJK and ending of tax terrorism in the occupied region.
In September last year, the JAAC, while raising the same demands, had mobilised massive protests all over PoJK despite oppressive crackdown by the Pakistani State.
The agitation was marked by widespread clashes between the protesters and the Pakistani forces, which resulted in the killing of dozens of people.
That agitation was suspended after the Pakistan government gave assurances that the demands would be met.
Subsequently, a number of rounds of negotiations were held between JAAC leaders and the Pakistani government representatives to see how the implementation of the demands could take place.
However, months later, the JAAC said that the demands were not met and gave a call for a fresh agitation.
