JAAC Suspends Long March After Deadly Kashmir Protests

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) suspended its long march toward Muzaffarabad on July 16, granting the Government of Pakistan until July 21 to address demands for an independent homeland and governance reforms. The decision followed negotiations involving Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. If demands are not met, the march will resume on July 22, though sit-ins across the region will continue.

The unrest, now in its sixth week, escalated on July 15 as security forces clashed with protesters in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti. Reports on Tuesday's casualties varied, with some officials stating nine people died—including seven civilians—while other reports indicated at least 12 fatalities. The total death toll since June 4 has risen to over 30 people. Protesters sought the abolition of 12 reserved refugee seats in the local assembly, lower electricity and flour prices, and the release of activists.

In response to the unrest, the Government of Pakistan deployed between 4,000 and 16,000 security personnel, imposed internet blackouts, and banned the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws in June. These actions drew criticism from Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who questioned the roles of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Munir. The United Kashmir People's National Party called for an international investigation into the use of lethal force, while the chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Maulana Umar Farooq, urged the government to prioritize dialogue.