JAAC supporters regroup in Rawalakot as protest movement continues across AJK

Despite official claims that the protest movement led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)

MUZAFFARABAD: Despite official claims that the protest movement led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had ended, thousands of supporters returned to demonstration sites in Rawalakot on Friday, reviving the campaign and reinforcing their commitment to ongoing protests across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The development came after protesters who had vacated their sit-in camps shortly after midnight regrouped at multiple locations later in the day. Authorities had earlier suggested that the demonstrators had dispersed permanently amid expectations of a large-scale law enforcement operation.

One of the largest protest camps had been established at Eidgah Ground, situated about 3.5 kilometres from Rawalakot city. The site had served as the main gathering point for participants arriving from Mirpur Division and southern areas of Poonch Division. Access to Rawalakot from surrounding regions had remained restricted by the administration for several days.

Early Friday morning, senior officials maintained that all protest sites had been cleared. Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan stated that demonstrators had voluntarily ended their sit-ins and returned to their hometowns. According to him, the development followed indirect negotiations involving local community representatives who reportedly conveyed messages between the administration and JAAC leadership.

Officials claimed that discussions focused on the safety of participants and efforts to avoid a potential confrontation with security agencies. Residents living near the Eidgah Ground also reported that the area appeared deserted during the early hours of Friday, with only signs of the previous gathering remaining.

However, the situation changed dramatically by midday. Protesters gradually returned to the venue, and attendance continued to rise throughout the day. Following Friday prayers, the crowd at Eidgah Ground was estimated at between 5,000 and 6,000 participants, including women and children. By evening, organisers reported a much larger turnout as supporters from nearby districts joined the gathering.

A similar scene unfolded at the Rawalakot bus terminal, where approximately 3,000 people from Thorar, Mang and neighbouring areas reassembled after dispersing the previous night. The gathering was led by senior JAAC member Sardar Arbab Advocate, while volunteers established committees to oversee security, logistics and organisational matters.

Participants vowed to continue their sit-in for an extended period, insisting that their movement remained active despite government pressure. Sources familiar with the protest said JAAC leaders were discussing various options for the next phase of the campaign. These reportedly included maintaining the current sit-in, marching toward Rawalakot city, or proceeding with plans for a long march to Muzaffarabad.

Addressing supporters at the Eidgah Ground, JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmiri reaffirmed the organisation’s determination to continue its protest activities. He stated that plans for a march towards Muzaffarabad remained intact and had not been withdrawn.

Meanwhile, a region-wide strike called by JAAC entered its fifth consecutive day. Markets remained closed across much of AJK, including Muzaffarabad, although some businesses briefly opened during the evening to meet urgent consumer needs. Public transport services largely remained suspended, while private vehicles continued limited operations on major roads.

Government sources also indicated that authorities had intensified administrative measures against JAAC leadership. According to reports, the national identity cards and passports of 31 core members were blocked. Additionally, there were reports of investigations and detentions involving individuals allegedly linked to financial support networks associated with the organisation.