JAAC Protest in Rawalakot Wanes Amid Ongoing AJK Strike

The protest led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot seems to be winding down, according to officials who claim the central gathering at Eidgah Ground is steadily shrinking. Many participants from outside the immediate area have reportedly left, with most remaining attendees being local residents who come and go daily.

Authorities have eased some curfew-like restrictions in Rawalakot, allowing shops to open for limited hours. Officials stated that law enforcement only engaged with armed activists and ruled out negotiations, emphasizing that group members must surrender or face legal action.

Meanwhile, a shutter-down strike persists across Azad Jammu and Kashmir for the seventh consecutive day. This has severely impacted commercial activity, with inter-city and intra-city public transport remaining suspended. Internet outages are further disrupting banking operations, making it difficult for residents to access cash via ATMs.

Reports from various districts indicate significant shortages of essential medicines due to disrupted supply chains. In response to the commercial shutdown, some neighborhood shops have begun operating with partially raised shutters around sunset, and mobile vendors are serving customers in certain localities. The government stated it would facilitate, not compel, businesses to operate.