Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir – June 14, 2024: Protests in Kotli have escalated as members of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee and other nationalist political parties continue to demand the release of their arrested leaders. The situation intensified last night when a caravan from the Poonch division entered Kotli.

Today, the movement gained further momentum with caravans from Dadyal, Mirpur, and nearby areas converging on Kotli. The influx of protestors has significantly bolstered the numbers, creating a robust display of unity and determination among the various political groups involved.

In a show of solidarity, local hotel owners and transporters in Kotli have stepped up to support the demonstrators by offering free food and transport services. This gesture has been crucial in sustaining the large turnout and ensuring that the protestors, many of whom have traveled from distant regions, can continue their participation without logistical concerns.

The leadership of the protest has made it clear that they will not cease their efforts until their demands are met. They are calling for the immediate release of the detained political leaders of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.

In a recent statement, the committee has given the government until 12 PM tomorrow to release the prisoners and drop all FIRs against them. They warned that if their demands are not addressed by the deadline, they will announce a stringent plan of action.

The leaders have also indicated that if their demands are not addressed promptly, the protests may escalate into a long march to Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the growing pressure from the protestors. The political landscape in the region is tense, and the outcome of these protests could have significant implications for the future of political activism in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

For now, Kotli stands as the epicenter of a powerful movement, with its streets filled with determined voices calling for justice and political freedom.

Kotli: On May 31, 2024, near the area of Narooch between Kotli Barali and Gulpur Kotli Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administrred Kashmir), a tragic incident unfolded around 2 p.m. Aqsaad Khaliq, a resident of Nemathrana Saharmandi and belonging to an extremely impoverished family, drowned while catching fish in the Poonch River.

Immediately following the incident, Rescue 1122 and local agricultural organizations (such as Sultaneya Welfare Society, Naweed Welfare, and others) initiated search efforts.

On the second or third day, about two kilometers downstream from the accident site, a floating corpse was sighted, which has been captured on video. Family members also confirmed that the floating body was indeed that of Aqsaad Khaliq.

Eleven days later, as of June 10, Aqsaad Khaliq’s body has yet to be recovered. In this dire hour, the district of Kotli, and indeed all of Azad Kashmir, are mobilized along the riverbank from Gulpur to Mangla Dam, engaged in the search for Aqsaad.

We appeal to the generous individuals to contribute generously to the financial assistance of Aqsaad Khaliq’s family. It should be noted that one of Aqsaad’s brothers died in a road accident six months ago, leaving the family in severe financial distress.

For any financial or other assistance, please contact Aqsaad Khaliq’s cousin, Muhammad Arshad (Contact number: 03498258848), and paternal uncle, Muhammad Idris (Contact number: +92 346 5001372), and extend your support to alleviate the hardships of this family. Thank you.