Srinagar, June 18: The unrest in PoJK is escalating with each day due to the brutal crackdown launched by the Pakistan army to quell the agitation launched by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The anger against the Pakistan army is growing as it has blocked supplies to the region, causing grave hardships to the residents.
Reports and videos circulating online claim that food supply routes are being blocked and strict movement restrictions imposed in several areas of PoJK by the Pakistan army and Punjab police.
Footage shows trucks halted at checkpoints, while local residents gather along mountainous roads, fueling allegations of an economic and military siege.
According to media reports, Pakistani forces have maintained a blockade since last night at Azad Pattan (Suun), preventing the movement of food and essential supplies.
A large number of vehicles were stopped and were not allowed to bring goods, reports said.
Numerous people have been stranded overnight and are being denied entry into PoJK.
The PoK residents and activists have accused the Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir of responding to public grievances with restrictions, crackdowns, blackouts, and heavy-handed measures instead of addressing the concerns of the people.
Due to the brutal crackdown and continued blockade of food supplies by the army, the anger against the Pakistani army is growing with each day.
The city of Rawalakot in PoJK has been under curfew for 11 days while shutter-down and wheel-jam strikes have been going on in the entire region for the last 10 days.
Peaceful sit-ins of the people are being held in all four corners of Rawalakot and people are steadfast in their demands and say they won’t give up.
The JAAC, which is spearheading the agitation, to protest rising inflation, unemployment, government policies and abolishing of 12 reserved seats of PoK Assembly, has been banned by the PoK government.
The ban on the civil society group has had no impact on the ground situation as people are heading its calls and staging protests and sit-ins.
The morale of the people is still high today. Despite all the obstacles, pressure, arrests and difficulties, there has been no decrease in public resistance, solidarity and determination. These silent streets and closed markets are witnesses that a conscious nation is not ready to give up the struggle for its fundamental rights. Voices can be suppressed through the use of coercion and force, not demands.
JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir urged the international community to intervene.
“I specifically appeal to the nations of the world to send their observer to assess the facts as to why this oppression and tyranny is being inflicted upon the Kashmiris,” Mir said.
The Human Rights Council of PoJK continues to receive appeals from citizens, civil society members, and concerned individuals regarding the ongoing situation across the state.
These appeals reflect growing concerns relating to access to healthcare, food supplies, communication services, freedom of movement, and the protection of fundamental rights.
“The people of PoJK deserve peace, dignity, justice, and a swift resolution to the current crisis through peaceful and constructive engagement,” the Human Rights council said.