Kashmiri Protesters Issue Ultimatum Amid Pakistani Security Crackdown

The Joint Awami Action Committee issued a June 23 ultimatum to the Pakistani government demanding a peaceful resolution to escalating unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The region has been paralyzed for 20 days by road blockades and communication blackouts, causing severe shortages of food, medicine, and surgical supplies. Protesters and political leaders report that approximately 1,460 individuals have been detained or have gone missing since military operations began.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party, condemned widespread home raids and the seizure of valuables, urging the United Nations Human Rights Council to intervene. Simultaneously, Mahmood Kashmiri of the Jammu Kashmir National Independence Alliance accused the government of declaring the Joint Awami Action Committee a terrorist organization after previously agreeing to its demands. These allegations include civilian deaths ranging from 11 to 30 people and the blockade of essential supplies in cities like Rawalakot.

International reactions intensified on June 22 as the Kashmiri diaspora staged protests in London outside the Pakistani Embassy and 10 Downing Street. In the British Parliament, MP Bob Blackman condemned the crackdown, noting injuries to British nationals. Protesters have announced further demonstrations at the United Nations on June 26 to demand the withdrawal of security forces and the arrest of those responsible for civilian killings.