SRINAGAR: Political tensions are mounting in the Kashmir, on the others ide of the LoC, ahead of the July 27 legislative elections, with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) threatening a march on Muzaffarabad on July 15 if the Pakistan-backed administration fails to meet its demands.
The warning follows weeks of protests, shutdowns and violent clashes that have left several people dead and exposed growing public discontent over political representation, economic hardship and Islamabad’s control over the region.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the JAAC announced that thousands of supporters would march towards Muzaffarabad after the expiry of a 48-hour ultimatum given to the authorities.
“A long march will be held toward Muzaffarabad on July 15. After July 14, our demands will not be limited to this charter of demands. We will come out with a new announcement,” the organisation said.
The latest agitation centres on the reservation of 12 seats in the 45-member legislative assembly for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir who migrated to Pakistan after the 1947 Partition. The JAAC argues that these seats allow Islamabad and Pakistan’s mainstream political parties to exercise disproportionate influence over government formation in PoK.
The rights group has demanded the immediate abolition of the reserved seats, contending that they dilute the political voice of residents living in the territory. However, the Supreme Court of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir ruled last month that the seats enjoy constitutional protection and cannot be abolished through executive action, requiring a constitutional amendment instead.
Beyond electoral reforms, the JAAC has submitted a 38-point charter of demands that includes lower electricity tariffs, increased subsidies on essential commodities, and a greater share of revenues generated from the region’s hydropower resources. Protest leaders argue that residents should not pay high electricity prices when much of Pakistan’s hydropower is generated in the region.
The movement has continued despite the administration banning the JAAC in June under anti-terrorism laws, alleging its involvement in violence, acquisition of weapons and attempts to disrupt public order. The organisation has rejected the accusations, maintaining that its campaign is peaceful and focused on civil and economic rights.
The confrontation has already turned deadly. Last month, at least seven people, including four police personnel and three protesters, were killed in clashes in Rawalakot. Protest leaders have also alleged that two demonstrators died during fresh violence in Mirpur earlier this week, although regional police have disputed the claim.
Thousands of JAAC supporters remain camped on the outskirts of Rawalakot, about 100 kilometres south of Muzaffarabad, awaiting the next phase of the movement.
The protests reflect broader frustrations over governance and economic conditions in the region. Despite abundant natural resources, including forests, minerals and major hydropower projects that contribute significantly to Pakistan’s electricity generation, residents have long complained that they receive limited economic benefits while development and public services remain inadequate.
With nominations for the July 27 elections underway and the JAAC pressing ahead with plans for a march on Muzaffarabad, PoK appears headed for another phase of political confrontation that could test the administration’s ability to contain growing public unrest.
