No long marches likely as JAAC eyes fresh demos in AJK

Government officials have indicated that long marches by participants of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) are unlikely. Instead, demonstrators are expected to hold protests at their existing sit-in locations. The main protest continues at Eidgah ground, with smaller gatherings occurring in Mutyalmera, Singola, Paniola, and Shujaabad.

According to official sources, participants at the main sit-in near Rawalakot were planning a short rally. An official stated there was no information suggesting they intended to move beyond their protest sites, attributing rumors of long marches to a lack of communication facilities in the area. These sit-ins are described as gatherings where participants assemble in the evening, with ample food supplies available at the main camp and for households hosting participants.

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There is no information suggesting they intend to move beyond their respective protest sites

Meanwhile, the Poonch administration has intensified its efforts against government employees allegedly involved in the sit-ins. Disciplinary action is being recommended for over 70 additional officials, including those from the education and health departments, as well as from electricity, public works, local government, agriculture, and forests departments. Actions proposed include salary stoppages and formal disciplinary proceedings.

In a separate development, the AJK police refuted claims circulating on social media that law enforcement agencies had attacked the Eidgah sit-in in Rawalakot. The administration has allowed essential services like grocery and medical stores to operate to meet residents' daily needs, despite roads leading to Rawalakot remaining blocked.

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sit-ins on the outskirts of the town as gatherings where participants mostly assembled in the evening “to enjoy the cool weather and free meals”