Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have intensified once again after the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) announced that it will resume its long march towards Muzaffarabad on July 15 if its demands are not met by July 14.
The announcement comes amid growing tensions in the region, where demonstrators have accused the Pakistan government of failing to honour earlier agreements. Reports also claim that security forces have carried out a crackdown on protesters, leading to arrests and casualties.
Why has JAAC announced another long March?
According to reports by Dawn, JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmiri said the group has given the authorities until July 14 to implement its charter of demands.
He warned that if no action is taken, the organisation will restart its long march to Muzaffarabad on July 15. The earlier march was stopped near Rawalakot on June 10.
JAAC has also appealed to national and international media, political parties and human rights organisations to monitor the march, saying this would help prevent any violence during the protest.
What are the protesters demanding?
JAAC has been leading protests in PoK since 2024 over several issues, including:
- Subsidies on electricity.
- Subsidies on wheat flour.
- Protection of local rights and resources.
The group says an agreement was reached with the administration in October 2025, but claims that many promises have not been fulfilled.
It has also accused the Pakistan government of creating an economic blockade by disrupting the supply of essential food items and medicines in some areas.
Pakistan declares JAAC a banned organisation
Earlier this month, the PoK administration declared JAAC a banned organisation under anti-terrorism laws.
Following the decision, reports claim that more than 1,000 protesters have been detained during the crackdown. Several reports have also alleged that over 50 people have been killed during protests, although these claims remain part of the ongoing dispute and have drawn international attention.
Read Also: India news: No more OTC sale of these medicines in India as Modi govt tightens Schedule H1 rules; Know what it means, are you also consuming these medicines? Check details inside
First published on: Jul 10, 2026 03:34 PM IST
Get Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 on Facebook, Twitter.
End of Article
About the Author
Navya Dubey
Navya Dubey is a Sub-Editor at News 24 with two years of experience in journalism. Passionate about storytelling and reporting, she covers a wide range of topics including politics, crime, general news, and breaking stories. She also takes a keen interest in trending and viral content, bringing readers engaging and thought-provoking stories that capture public interest.
Read MoreRelated Story
