Following a key meeting in Rawalakot, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has issued a comprehensive declaration officially announcing an indefinite complete lockdown and the observance of a ‘Black Day’ across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, effective immediately. This decision was taken in protest against the failure of the Azad Kashmir and Pakistan governments to implement the agreement reached on October 4 of last year and their breach of promises.
According to the declaration, the Awami Action Committee has been waging a peaceful struggle for the fundamental rights of the region’s people for the past three years. Committee leaders maintained that the government, true to its habitual pattern of reneging on commitments, made no progress regarding the October 4 agreement. When a peaceful long march was announced following the expiration of the agreed deadline, authorities initiated a severe crackdown starting June 5 of this year, attempting to crush the movement through the use of force.
According to the Action Committee spokesperson, hundreds of citizens were killed or injured in incidents of firing and violence during this period, while the properties of thousands of citizens—including core committee members Khawaja Mehran Arshad (Advocate) and Abid Shaheen—were damaged. Despite this oppression and brutality, the committee sought to resolve issues through dialogue, yet the ruling authorities persisted in a policy of lies and deception. A declaration issued today in Rawalakot—following extensive consultations with traders, transporters, lawyers, religious scholars, students, and local action committees—includes the following key points:
A complete shutdown and transport strike will be observed across Azad Kashmir starting today, while a “Black Day” is being marked in other Pakistan-administered areas and abroad by hoisting black flags.
The Action Committee has appealed to the general public to ensure the success of this indefinite lockdown and to play their part in the restoration of their fundamental rights.
Tribute was paid to overseas Kashmiris for their active and magnificent role in the movement, with the hope expressed that they would continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in this struggle.
The Action Committee reiterated that, despite all challenges, the peaceful struggle to defend the people’s rights and ensure the movement’s success will continue at all costs.
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