RAWALAKOT: The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has announced a civil disobedience movement across Pakistan-administered Kashmir, issuing a comprehensive 9-point declaration outlining its demands and future course of action in response to the region’s current political, human rights, and economic situation.
The declaration states that state forces carried out violent crackdowns on peaceful protesters asserting their rights and alleges plans for further repression. It further accuses Pakistani paramilitary forces and police of vandalism, looting, and damaging commercial shops and private residences. Consequently, the JKJAAC has called for a complete boycott of all utility bills—including electricity, water, and gas—as well as major taxes starting this August, while urging the business community not to file income tax returns for the current year.
Key points and major decisions outlined in the declaration include:
1. Demand for an International Human Rights Commission and Neutral Inquiry
Reiterating its August 2, 2026 demand, the committee stated that following the government’s breach of the written agreement dated October 4, 2025, authorities banned the Action Committee and initiated a crackdown involving false cases, arrests, and violent measures against political leaders. The committee strongly urged the United Nations to establish an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the use of military weapons against civilians, the suppression of the peaceful movement, and to assign responsibility for civilian casualties and financial losses.
2. Nullification of “Dummy Elections” and Formation of an Interim Government
The declaration stated that in undemocratic setups, public mandate is discarded to conduct fabricated elections. The JKJAAC demanded the immediate annulment of recent elections and the establishment of an inclusive, neutral interim government reflecting broad public representation. This interim administration would be tasked with stabilizing the situation and holding transparent elections under an independent election commission.
3. Concern Over Violent Crackdowns, Food Shortages, and Blockade of Medicines
The committee strongly condemned the occupation of hospitals, educational institutions, and communication networks by security forces, as well as the deliberate suspension of food and medical supplies. It also denounced statements by Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah attempting to label the Action Committee as “non-state actors” and terrorists. The JKJAAC appealed to the international community to take immediate notice of food and medicine being weaponized against the civilian population.
4. Revised Action Plan for Strikes: Markets Allowed to Open Two Days a Week
Taking note of the severe hardship faced by the public and business community due to the prolonged lockdown, the Action Committee announced that all grocery stores and markets will be permitted to open two days a week—Fridays and Tuesdays, from 2:00 PM until sunset. Medical stores remain fully exempt from all restrictions. The committee urged traders to avoid price gouging and ensure goods are sold at fair rates.
5. Complete Boycott of Utility Bills and Taxes
In protest against alleged state violence, looting, and property destruction, the JKJAAC announced a complete boycott of electricity, water, and gas bills, along with other taxes, starting in August. Traders have also been called upon to withhold their income tax returns for the year.
6. Condemnation of Biased Reporting and Gratitude to International Media
The declaration condemned sections of the Pakistani media for running unilateral propaganda against the movement. Conversely, the JKJAAC expressed gratitude to international media outlets, including Al Jazeera, and independent journalists for providing objective coverage of the crisis.
7. UN Resolutions and the Right to Self-Determination
Reaffirming its stance, the committee emphasized that the State of Jammu and Kashmir remains a disputed territory under UN resolutions, whose final status must be determined through the free will and right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. The committee appealed for urgent intervention by the UN Human Rights Council regarding internet shutdowns, food blockades, and ongoing human rights abuses.
8. “Grand Solidarity Caravan” Announced from Bhimber to Rawalakot on August 19
To protest against the artificial shortage of food and medicine, a “Grand Solidarity Caravan” will launch from Bhimber on August 19, 2026, marching toward the central sit-in at Rawalakot. The committee appealed to the public in Mirpur Division and overseas Kashmiris to participate heavily in the peaceful march.
9. Independence Day Message to the People of Pakistan
Concluding the declaration, the Joint Awami Action Committee extended greetings to the people of Pakistan on their Independence Day while calling on citizens to question their rulers: “Why are taxpayer funds being spent on elite privileges and munitions to suppress Kashmiris rather than on public healthcare and education?”
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