Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Protests Turn Deadly: 11 Killed in Rawalakot Clashes After JKJAAC Banned Under Anti-Terrorism Act

On June 5, 2026, authorities in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PoK/AJK) proscribed the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) — a grassroots movement led by activist Shaukat Nawaz Mir campaigning on a 38-point demands charter (economic subsidies, infrastructure, official accountability) — under the region's Anti-Terrorism Act 2014, alleging it was 'engaged in terrorism' and 'creating anarchy in the State.' The immediate trigger was JKJAAC's opposition to 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees who live elsewhere in Pakistan, which protesters say dilutes local representation. Authorities suspended internet and mobile network signals region-wide from June 5 through June 12 ahead of planned demonstrations. Despite the ban, protests proceeded; clashes between security forces and JKJAAC supporters in Rawalakot on Sunday, June 7 killed 11 people and injured more than 70 (23 security personnel, 50 protesters), per local officials. Protests continued into June 9 despite the restrictions. Amnesty International warned the terrorism designation 'marks a dangerous escalation' in the crackdown on the protest movement. This is the deadliest unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in years and would continue to escalate through June and July.