The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on 10 July announced a long march to Muzaffarabad scheduled for 15 July, calling on residents across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to join the demonstration in large numbers amid escalating unrest that has left dozens dead. The announcement comes as tensions in the region show no sign of abating, with fresh reports of killings by Pakistani security forces.

Fresh Killings Fuel Protest Call

The JAAC stated that two more young men were killed in firing by Pakistani forces, adding to a mounting death toll that has galvanised civil society across PoK. In a post on X, the committee held both Pakistani forces and the Muzaffarabad Assembly's elected representatives directly responsible for what it called a massacre.

'Every ruler sitting in the Muzaffarabad Assembly is responsible for this massacre — People will remember that the killers of these young men of ours are the Pakistani forces and the rulers of Muzaffarabad,' the JAAC stated. The group added that the remains of those killed a month ago remain in custody, accusing authorities of 'turning this massacre into an election celebration by ignoring it.'

Communication Blackout and Humanitarian Crisis

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) claimed that since 7 June, millions of people in PoK have been living under a prolonged communication blackout. According to the group, Pakistani authorities have imposed restrictions on movement alongside acute shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.

The UKPNP noted that despite these conditions, peaceful demonstrations, sit-ins, and public gatherings have continued across the region, reflecting deepening humanitarian concerns. This is consistent with a pattern of civil unrest in PoK that has intensified over recent weeks.

International Calls for Accountability

The UKPNP appealed to the United Nations, international governments, and human rights organisations to intervene in defence of civilian lives and fundamental rights. It specifically urged the global community to press Pakistani authorities for an immediate end to violence and the lifting of the blockade, seeking restoration of free movement of people, goods, and humanitarian aid.

The group also demanded that JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir and all other detained or disappeared persons be produced before independent courts without delay, with guaranteed access to legal representation and fair trial in line with international human rights standards.

UK Lawmaker Demands Justice

Bob Blackman, leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party and a Member of Parliament, posted on X expressing grave concern over the continuing crackdown. 'The killing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has not stopped. More lives have been lost, the crackdown is continuing, and still no justice for the victims. We must demand accountability,' Blackman wrote.

With the 15 July long march now confirmed, all eyes will be on whether Pakistani authorities permit the demonstration to proceed — and on the international response to what civil society groups are describing as a sustained assault on civilian rights in PoK.