Pakistan Detains 35 More Kashmiris as PoK Protests Enter Day 19
Updated
Updated · News18 · Jun 21
Pakistan Detains 35 More Kashmiris as PoK Protests Enter Day 19
3 articles · Updated · News18 · Jun 21
Summary
Thirty-five more Kashmiris were detained Saturday in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where anti-government protests entered a 19th day and protest leaders said total detainees or missing had topped 1,435.
The crackdown has coincided with a region-wide shutdown: protesters say Pakistan imposed a food blockade, internet remains suspended, major roads are closed, and media access is restricted in much of the territory.
The unrest began over the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the July 27 election to the 45-member assembly, with the Joint Awami Action Committee rejecting pressure to end its strike and warning it could escalate resistance.
Reuters has reported at least 24 deaths in the violence, while a regional police chief said four officers were killed, 97 wounded and 515 people detained.
Shortages of food and medicines, disrupted banking and fuel supplies, and solidarity protests outside Pakistan's consulate in Glasgow point to a crisis spreading beyond the immediate security crackdown.
As global protests rise, is the AJK unrest becoming a new flashpoint in the wider Kashmir conflict?
AJK's popular movement is led by a 'terrorist' group. Is this a rights struggle or a state security crisis?
Is the unrest in Kashmir about election seats or a revolt over resources and rights denied by Pakistan?
Crisis in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir: June 2026 Unrest Leaves 30 Dead, Hundreds Injured Amid Communication Blackout and Political Crackdown
Overview
Since June 5, 2026, Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir has faced severe unrest sparked by a civilian rights movement led by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The crisis escalated when JAAC was declared a terrorist organization, and a massive protest of up to 70,000 people gathered in Rawalakot. Pakistani security forces responded by opening fire, resulting in 16 deaths and 37 injuries. This crackdown, along with a communication blackout, has deepened the humanitarian crisis and highlighted long-standing grievances over political rights and economic hardship, fueling further instability across the region.