Blackout, Bullets, and Bodies Withheld: Crackdown on PaJK's Rights Movement

Security forces have allegedly killed 20 civilians, arbitrarily detained hundreds, imposed a communications blackout, withheld bodies from families under coercion, blockaded food and medicine, and violently dispersed peaceful protesters demanding basic rights in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir since June 5, 2026. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a loose coalition of traders, lawyers, transporters, and activists, was designated a terrorist organization on June 5, 2026. The movement advocates for governance reforms, public services improvements, electricity tariff changes, employment opportunities, water access, forest rights, healthcare, education, land rights, and accountability. Within hours of the ban, trader Shahzaib Habib was shot dead near Barmang bridge in Rawalakot. On Sunday, June 7, outside Combined Military Hospital in Rawalakot, at least seven civilians and four law enforcement personnel died during clashes. Amnesty International condemned the crackdown as involving "an internet shutdown, mass arbitrary arrests and deadly use of force," characterizing the JKJAAC proscription as "disproportionate, unlawful and a violation of the right to freedom of association." The JKJAAC Human Rights Cell elevated blockade allegations to constitute a "humanitarian protection emergency" by June 14. An estimated 50,000 people in Rawalakot city and 300,000 in surrounding mountainous areas were estimated affected by road shutdowns and restricted movement.