Muzaffarabad in Lockdown-Like Situation for Second Day as banned JAAC protesters continues march

Azad Kashmir witnessed second consecutive day of near-total shutdown as tensions deepened as banned Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) disrupts law and order in the region. Markets remained closed, public transport stayed off the roads, and thousands of protesters of banned committee continued their march toward Muzaffarabad. A massive convoy that started in Mirpur reached outskirts of Rawalakot, where security forces maintained a heavy presence amid fears of further unrest. Officials estimated the gathering at between 10,000 and 12,000 people, while residents in several areas were urged to remain indoors as authorities sought to prevent protesters from advancing toward the capital. The latest demonstrations come days after the Kashmir government declared Joint Awami Action Committee a banned organization and launched a crackdown against its leadership. Protest organizers insist they will continue their movement until the disputed refugee seats are abolished, arguing that the constituencies have long been used to influence political outcomes in the region and undermine local representation. Overnight clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Kotli left at least three people dead and dozens injured, according to local officials. The incident followed earlier confrontations in Rawalakot that had already claimed multiple lives, highlighting the growing volatility of the crisis. Authorities reinforced security across the territory, deploying additional personnel, increasing patrols, and conducting aerial surveillance. While officials said the measures are necessary to maintain law and order, critics argue that the government’s response risks further inflaming anger. Meanwhile, police intensified efforts to arrest key JAAC figures, including prominent leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, who is facing serious charges linked to alleged anti-state activities. The government has also announced multimillion-rupee rewards for information leading to the c