Strike Paralyzes Pakistan-Administered Kashmir After Banned Group's Call
Shops and businesses closed their doors, and public transport came to a halt across Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Tuesday following a strike call by the recently outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group known for its history of violent protests. The strike comes in the wake of Sunday's clashes between JAAC supporters and security forces in Rawalakot, which left seven people dead.
The violence erupted after the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The JAAC, formed in 2003, has been demanding greater political rights for the people of Kashmir and the abolition of these refugee seats.
In the regional capital, Muzaffarabad, and other towns, residents reported that markets were largely empty and bus terminals deserted on Tuesday. However, it remained unclear whether people were actively participating in the strike or staying home out of fear of renewed clashes. The JAAC had called for a 'long march' from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad and a strike prior to Sunday's violence.
Witnesses said thousands of supporters gathered Tuesday in the eastern city of Mirpur to travel to Rawalakot, where JAAC leaders were expected to begin the march toward Muzaffarabad. Authorities have deployed additional police and security personnel across the region and suspended internet services in major cities to prevent people from joining the march.
Police and the regional government have accused armed supporters of the JAAC of opening fire on officers during Sunday's clashes, which were the deadliest the region has seen in years. The regional government banned the JAAC last week, citing concerns about public order and security, and detained dozens of its supporters.
Regional Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said Monday that he remained open to talks with the group's representatives. He stated that the government had accepted most of the JAAC's demands during last year's negotiations, except for the abolition of refugee seats and the end of benefits given to government officials and ministers, which, due to constitutional constraints, must be addressed by the Legislative Assembly.
The refugee seats are reserved for people who migrated to Pakistan from Indian-controlled Kashmir decades ago and are intended to represent communities displaced by the long-running conflict over the Himalayan region. The JAAC argues that these seats give disproportionate influence to people living outside the territory.
The Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India, both of which claim it in its entirety and have fought two wars over the territory since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Tensions have been rising for weeks ahead of elections scheduled for next month. The current Legislative Assembly has completed its term, and political debate has intensified over the future of the refugee seats following the court ruling.
