Chaos Erupts in POK: Dozens Detained After Ban on Local Group, Protesters Rally Against Government

Islamabad: The situation is worsening in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. On Saturday, dozens of people were arrested, there was a shooting in Rawalakot and one person died. It all started with a ban — the ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee, or JAAC, that set the entire region on fire.

Why was JAAC banned?

On Friday, the administration declared JAAC an illegal organisation. Officials said the organisation had been involved in violent protests last year and its activities had become a threat to public peace. This decision was taken on the basis of reports from security agencies.

So is the government scared because of the elections?

General elections are to be held in Ghulam Kashmir in July. As soon as the election dates were announced, JAAC also announced a major protest on 9 June. The demands were old – inflation, electricity and basic rights. But the government felt that this demonstration could prove provocative in the election environment. By nightfall the ban was imposed and by morning dozens of workers were behind bars.

What happened in Rawalkot?

Saturday was even more difficult. There was firing in Rawalakot and one JAAC member was killed. As soon as the news spread, people came out on the streets. Angry crowd, tense police – the atmosphere became very heated. Additional contingents of security forces were called and the entire area was converted into a cantonment.

What are JAAC supporters saying?

Supporters of the organisation say that this ban and arrests are a direct attempt to suppress the voice. He argues that JAAC has only been suffering the sufferings of the common people – electricity bills, price of flour, employment. Whenever people take to the streets, the government resorts to lathi and law. After the death in Rawalkot, the supporters have become even more embittered and they are clearly saying that this movement is not going to stop.

What will happen next now?

The Home Department has clearly said that legal action will be taken against everyone associated with JAAC. But the reality on the ground is that people's anger has not cooled down yet. On one side there is election pressure, on the other side there is anger towards death. The coming days may prove to be very critical for Ghulam Kashmir.