- Massive anti-Pakistan protests sweep across PoJK after 600+ arrests.
- JAAC leader Sardar Aman Khan seeks cross-border support from India.
- Protesters demand dismantling of LoC, boycott local body elections.
Massive protests have broken out across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) following a government crackdown and the reported arrest of more than 600 civil rights activists.
The demonstrations intensified after the detention of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, prompting the organisation to openly challenge Islamabad. "The slaves are under their control. The Shah is in captivity," ANI quoted the JAAC.
Meanwhile, a video of Sardar Aman Khan, a senior member of the Jammu and Kashmir JAAC, has gone viral on social media. In the video, he speaks about the alleged shortage of essential supplies, the humanitarian situation and the treatment of residents under Pakistani administration.
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Addressing a large gathering, Khan appealed to people across the border for support, saying, "To those in Mendhar, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, we appeal to the people there. On this side, there is a shortage of rations, a shortage of medicines, and we need your help. We need your help."
#WATCH | PoJK | One of the four core members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoJK, Sardar Aman Khan, says, "I am addressing you all from the Rawalkot Eidgah, where protests have been ongoing for a month for people's fundamental rights. I appeal to the people of… pic.twitter.com/WGxfShtYKh
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2026
Calls To Dismantle LoC Raised At Protest
Khan also called for dismantling the Line of Control (LoC), saying, "We want the end of the ceasefire line, and we need your support. My appeal to the people, to the people on the other side, is that they should come forward. And as I said, the paths. if we have kept the door open for political dialogue."
Criticising the actions of the Pakistani authorities, Khan said the people would not be intimidated.
"If we have kept the path open, and if someone thinks that by hearing our 'weak knees', that we are trapped somewhere, then they are mistaken. No one is trapped. We will show you the paths, God willing. After this, you will see all the paths; we will show them to you, God willing. We will show you the way after that, where the paths lie," he told the gathering.
In another viral video, Khan addressed protesters and asked, "Should we step towards the ceasefire line or not? Tell me loudly, should we step forward or not?" The crowd responded with chants of "Yes!"
Warning against any forceful action by the authorities, Khan said, "That is why we say to them that on this Kashmiri spirit and political stance, if the response is bullets, then we also have options. Don't complain tomorrow, don't express regret tomorrow that you felt bad.”
Concluding his address, he said, "We are not people according to your temperament. If you offer loyalty, we'll offer loyalty; if you offer cruelty, we'll offer cruelty. We are humans just like you. Whatever you do, we will do the same, God willing. There is nothing more to say than that. Well, friends, with that, overseas Kashmiris."
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JAAC Leader Seeks Support From Indians Amid Protests
In a separate video released earlier, Khan appealed to people across Jammu and Kashmir and neighbouring regions, saying, "In this time of hardship, we appeal to all the people, to those across the border, and especially to the people of Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Jammu, the Valley, Ladakh, and Kargil. We have organised a protest on July 5, and we need the support of all of you. Certainly, you must come out, speak up for our rights, and raise your voice against this cruelty and injustice."
Crackdown Intensifies Amid Growing Unrest
The current wave of protests follows a series of actions by the Pakistani authorities against the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). On June 30, the organisation criticised Islamabad after a political delegation led by opposition leaders was reportedly stopped from entering PoJK, calling the move further evidence of the suppression of democratic rights and political dissent.
Activists have also alleged that Pakistani security forces are using drones to monitor sit-in protests across the region. In response, local leaders have called for a complete boycott of the July 27 local body elections, alleging that the democratic process is being undermined.
(With Inputs From ANI)
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