Rawalakot: The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) held an emergency core committee meeting at an undisclosed location on Saturday, issuing a strongly worded declaration outlining its stance on ongoing political developments and the planned September 29 shutdown.
According to the statement, members from across the region attended the closed-door session, where the committee expressed frustration over what it described as the government’s failure to engage in meaningful dialogue despite earlier offers of talks.
Stalled Dialogue and Accusations
The JKJAAC said that while the Government of Pakistan initially extended an invitation for negotiations, no “serious steps” were taken to follow through. The committee further accused the Azad Kashmir government of leveling “baseless allegations” against the movement during a recent multiparty gathering, calling the move an attempt to undermine the protest campaign.
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“The ruling class is responsible for delaying tactics and sabotaging the process,” the declaration stated.
Concerns Over Surveillance
The committee also voiced alarm at reports of “suspicious individuals in plain clothes” seen near the homes of activists in various towns and villages. Warning the authorities, the statement said that any harm to such individuals would be the responsibility of the local administration.
Preparations for September 29
Reiterating its call for a region-wide shutdown, JKJAAC urged citizens to stock up on essential supplies, including dry rations, in case of a prolonged lockdown. Local ward committees have also been directed to make arrangements for supporting low-income families during the protest.
“All routine matters should be settled before September 29, as the strike could continue longer depending on the government’s response,” the statement warned.
Appeal to Overseas Kashmiris
The declaration praised the role of the overseas Kashmiri community, urging them to continue highlighting the movement internationally. JKJAAC called upon global human rights organizations, international observers, and media outlets to monitor the September 29 protest and present an “accurate picture” of events to the world.
Warning to Collaborators
In a sharp message, the committee cautioned individuals allegedly cooperating with the administration to “refrain from such actions,” warning they risk being remembered as “traitors to the cause.”
Broader Solidarity Call
The JKJAAC appealed for solidarity from bar associations, lawyers, students, and the general public in Pakistan, framing the struggle as one that opposes “privileged classes” and supports the rights of ordinary citizens across both regions.
The statement concluded by rejecting recent accusations linking the movement to foreign funding or hostile agendas, describing them as “an attempt to sow mistrust between the people of Pakistan and Kashmir.”
