12/06/2026
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC or JKJAAC)—a grassroots civil-society coalition of traders, students, lawyers, and activists formed in 2023—has driven sustained protests over economic hardships and political representation. 
The group’s core demands, detailed in a 38-point charter during earlier unrest, include lower electricity tariffs (despite the region’s hydropower resources), wheat and flour subsidies, reduced elite privileges and government spending, better public services, and the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, which protesters argue distort local representation. 
Following major 2024 and September–October 2025 protests that produced a peace agreement with partial concessions (including subsidies), implementation shortfalls and a Supreme Court ruling upholding the refugee seats triggered renewed action. On 5 June 2026 the AJK government banned the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws, accusing it of creating anarchy and insecurity ahead of July elections; it also issued travel advisories and restricted communications in places. 
Clashes on 8 June in Rawalakot (Poonch district) between security forces and protesters left at least 11 people dead (six protesters, four police officers, and one passer-by) and more than 70 injured; a region-wide shutter-down strike was called for 9 June despite the ban, leading to further arrests, heightened security deployments, and office closures. 
While officials state that most prior demands have been addressed and force was used only to restore order, JAAC leaders describe the response as excessive and vow to continue peaceful advocacy for accountability and genuine local rights, leaving AJK in a state of heightened tension and unresolved grievances
