JAAC Protest Shrinks in Rawalakot After Days of Unrest

MUZAFFARABAD: The ongoing standoff between law enforcement agencies and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot appeared to be de-escalating on Monday, as officials claimed the scale of the protest had significantly reduced after several days of unrest.

According to administrative officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the main protest gathering at Eidgah Ground has been gradually thinning out, with many participants reportedly returning to their hometowns outside the area. Those still present are largely local residents who gather during the day and return home by night, they said.

Officials further stated that security forces were primarily engaging only those individuals they described as armed activists, while maintaining that no negotiations would be held with the banned group. Authorities reiterated their position that members of the organization must either surrender or face legal proceedings under the law.

In an effort to ease pressure on local residents, authorities have relaxed some curfew-like restrictions in parts of Rawalakot, allowing limited business activity during specified hours to ensure basic supplies remain available.

Meanwhile, a complete shutter-down strike continued across several cities and towns of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for the seventh consecutive day, including in Muzaffarabad. Public transport between and within cities remains fully suspended, leaving roads largely empty, although private vehicles and motorcycles continue to operate.

The prolonged internet shutdown in the region has also disrupted financial transactions, severely affecting banking services and leaving many residents unable to access cash or conduct digital operations.

Despite the overall closure of markets, some small neighbourhood shops have been seen operating in the evening with partially lowered shutters, while in certain areas mobile vendors using pickup vehicles have begun supplying essential food items such as fruits and vegetables.

Officials said there is no policy forcing shopkeepers to reopen, but the administration is facilitating alternative supply channels for residents where traditional markets remain closed.

In addition, reports from multiple districts have indicated acute shortages of medicines in local pharmacies, as supply chains from Abbottabad and Rawalpindi remain disrupted due to ongoing unrest and transport suspension.

Separately, the AJK government has summoned a session of the Legislative Assembly at 2pm on Tuesday. According to Assembly Secretary Amjed Latif Abbasi, lawmakers are expected to consider legislation regarding the regularisation of ad hoc and B-1 employees, in line with cabinet decisions taken earlier this month.

The session’s agenda also includes resolutions concerning Pakistan’s role in facilitating recent Iran-US peace negotiations, as well as discussion on the recent helicopter crash in Muzaffarabad.

Authorities say the situation remains sensitive but is gradually stabilising in some areas, even as economic and civic disruptions continue across the region.