Violent clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement personnel across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, 6 July, as demonstrators observed a shutter-down strike called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The worst violence was reported from Mirpur district, where around a dozen people — including police personnel — were injured, according to local media reports.

Violence in Mirpur District

Clashes first erupted in Amb village in Dadyal town, Mirpur district, with witnesses reporting at least three people injured in the initial confrontation. A second clash broke out later that evening, after which a critically injured protester was transported to a hospital in Mirpur, according to Pakistan's daily Dawn.

Officials at Mirpur Divisional Headquarters Hospital confirmed receiving four injured persons, including two in critical condition. Women also staged a demonstration in the Khaliqabad area of Mirpur district, while protests in Islamgarh and Chakswari passed without reported violence. Demonstrations were also held at three locations in Samahni valley in Bhimber, and a peaceful gathering of women and children took place in Moyel village, Barnala subdivision.

Shutdown and Unrest in Muzaffarabad

In Muzaffarabad, nearly all markets remained closed and roads deserted, with public transport suspended and private vehicle movement heavily restricted. Law enforcement personnel conducted flag marches across several parts of the city.

Clashes nonetheless broke out at Airport Chowk, where police deployed tear gas to disperse a group of around a dozen women who had reportedly travelled from Ghan Chattar village. According to police sources, four men and three women were arrested. Videos from the site showed motorcycles and furniture lying in a roadside ravine, and damaged vehicles on the road. Separately, police detained several youths in Tariqabad and Lower Chattar neighbourhoods after they allegedly attempted to pelt stones and block roads.

Protests were also reported across PoK's Poonch division, including in Shujaabad, Hajira, Mutyalmera, Paniola, and Abbaspur.

JAAC Issues Final Deadline to Government

At a gathering on Sunday evening, JAAC core committee member Imtiaz Aslam issued what he called a 'final deadline' to the Pakistani government — 8 July — to implement the group's charter of demands and resolve the situation. 'Otherwise, we will announce our next course of action on July 9, on the completion of one month of the JAAC sit-in,' Aslam said.

Meanwhile, internet services in PoK remained suspended for the 30th consecutive day on Sunday.

Background: Why the Unrest Escalated

The ongoing unrest intensified after Pakistani authorities on 5 June banned the JAAC, designating the grassroots civil society group a 'terrorist' organisation. The JAAC has put forward several demands, including the abolition of the 12 seats in the region's Legislative Assembly that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. Critics argue the ban was an attempt to suppress a legitimate popular movement, while Pakistani authorities maintain it poses a public order threat.

With the government's deadline set for 8 July and no signs of dialogue, the situation in PoK is likely to remain volatile in the days ahead.