MUZAFFARABAD (Web Desk) – Clashes broke out across multiple districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) on Sunday as a shutter-down strike coincided with protest demonstrations called by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (Joint Awami Action Committee). The unrest was reported most severely in Mirpur district, particularly in Dadyal, while parts of Muzaffarabad also witnessed violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.
The strike and protests led to widespread disruption of daily life, with markets closed, public transport suspended, and fuel shortages limiting private travel. Internet services across the region remained suspended for the 30th consecutive day, further intensifying public frustration and restricting communication.
In Mirpur district, particularly in Dadyal, clashes first erupted in Amb village, where witnesses reported injuries to at least three individuals. Later in the day, another confrontation escalated, resulting in additional injuries, including a critically wounded protester who was shifted to the Divisional Headquarters Hospital in Mirpur.
Hospital officials confirmed that four injured persons were brought in, two of whom were stated to be in critical condition. Sources also reported that both civilians and police personnel were among the injured, though exact figures could not be independently verified.
Separately, women-led demonstrations in Khaliqabad on the outskirts of Mirpur city dispersed peacefully. Similar peaceful protests were also reported from Islamgarh and Chakswari.
In Bhimber’s Samahni valley, groups of men and women staged protests at multiple locations. However, no clashes were reported as police did not intervene. Local journalists stated that tensions briefly escalated in one area where protesters allegedly misbehaved with an election candidate, who avoided confrontation.
In another incident in Choki, some protesters reportedly assaulted journalists and damaged a reporter’s mobile phone.
In Moyel village of Barnala subdivision, large groups of women and children held peaceful demonstrations without any reported violence.
In the Poonch division, protests were held in several towns including Mutyalmera, Paniola, Shujaabad, Hajira, and Abbaspur, along with a main gathering at Eidgah ground.
In the capital Muzaffarabad (Muzaffarabad), almost all markets remained closed. Although Sunday is typically a partial holiday, even normally open shops stayed shut, while streets appeared largely deserted.
Law enforcement personnel conducted flag marches in multiple areas to maintain order. However, clashes erupted at Airport Chowk when police used tear gas to disperse protesters, including a group of women who had reportedly arrived from Ghan Chattar village.
Police sources said seven people — four men and three women — were taken into custody during the operation. Footage from journalists showed damaged vehicles, broken windows, punctured tyres, and motorcycles and furniture scattered along roadside ravines following the confrontation.
Residents later staged a sit-in, accusing law enforcement of excessive use of force.
Additional detentions were reported from Tariqabad and Lower Chattar areas, where youths allegedly attempted stone-pelting from nearby hills and blocked roads.
A police spokesperson claimed that life in Muzaffarabad remained largely normal and stated that the public had rejected the protest call, although the statement did not address the Airport Chowk incident.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (Joint Awami Action Committee) continued to press its demands, with a core committee member issuing a “final deadline” of July 8 for the government to implement its charter of demands.
The group warned that if demands are not met, it will announce its next course of action on July 9, marking one month since its ongoing sit-in movement.
The primary dispute between the regional administration and protest leadership revolves around demands to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947.
These seats are elected separately from the 33 general seats in the legislative assembly. Critics argue the system is politically contentious due to long-standing disagreements over voter lists, delimitation, and constitutional arrangements.
Ahead of the July 27 elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the issue has intensified political mobilization and public demonstrations across multiple districts.
On June 5, authorities declared the Joint Awami Action Committee a proscribed organisation under regional anti-terrorism laws. The group was placed under the First Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
Following the ban, a crackdown was launched, resulting in the arrest of several leaders. Officials later placed 147 activists under the Fourth Schedule of the ATA, increasing surveillance and legal restrictions on their activities.
