In a disturbing development from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been leading protests since Jun 2026, has accused Pakistani security forces of using drones and heavy weapons, including heavy machine guns, against civilians during a crackdown in Rawalakot. Reports following the Nov 5 operation cited at least 7 dead and around 23 injuries.
The operation reportedly targeted protest sit-ins near the Matiyalmera bus terminal and Farooq-e-Azam Chowk. Local journalists and protesters have also alleged that security forces opened fire near the bus terminal, killing a young man and a woman.
The fresh violence has raised concerns over alleged human rights violations in the region. Some reports have cited more than 150 deaths in connection with the wider unrest since Jun, although this figure has not been independently verified as a toll of people killed by military operations.
PoJk (06-11-26) In PoJk Kashmir brother Funeral 🤲 Drone strike attacked to PoJk people's by Pakistan Asim Munir Army https://t.co/K7T7dn7sQs
— Wingsblue🇮🇳 (@War_crazy44) November 7, 2026
JAAC leader's statement
Senior JAAC leader Umar Nazir criticised the crackdown and held Pakistan's political and military leadership responsible.
The Pakistani media, Pakistani institutions, army chief Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “will have to answer for this in this world and the hereafter. Today, you have declared unarmed citizens as terrorists and committed mass killings in Kashmir, which is under your administration, for demanding basic rights of the people, clean water for drinking, health facilities, education, and the right to ownership and governance. You have martyred nearly 100 young people. You are going to answer to the countries of the world,” Nazir said.
#Nation2Nation | Reports from Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) allege that Pakistani security forces used heavy machine guns, drones and rocket launchers against unarmed protesters demanding basic rights. The reported crackdown has left several people dead and triggered widespread outrage and calls for freedom. Watch Full Program: https://t.co/wj6jff4Q3K @mukulsharmaDD #PoK #PakistanOccupiedKashmir #Rawalakot #Pakistan
— DD News (@DDNewslive) November 7, 2026
What is JAAC and what are its demands?
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee is a grassroots civil society coalition that emerged in 2023 amid public grievances over electricity prices, shortages and economic pressures. It brings together traders, transporters, students, lawyers, activists and other sections of society.
The committee has held several protests, initially focusing on rising electricity bills and the cost of essential commodities, including flour. After authorities proscribed the organisation under Pakistan's anti-terrorism legislation in 2026, protests continued.
Its 38-point charter of demands includes lower electricity tariffs, with protesters seeking rates based on the cost of locally generated hydropower, including power from the Mangla Dam. It has also demanded flour subsidies comparable to those provided in neighbouring Gilgit-Baltistan.
The committee has raised wider political and governance demands, including greater regional autonomy and the removal of 12 reserved seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly allocated to people from Indian-administered Kashmir who have settled elsewhere in Pakistan. Its demands also include better healthcare, education, employment opportunities and access to basic services.
🚨 BREAKING | RAWALAKOT, PoJK Heavy gunfire and automatic weapons fire heard across #Rawalakot as tensions escalate. Civilians killed and injured. Pakistan Army turning a civilian protest into a bloody crackdown. #PoK #RawalakotMassacre #POJKProtests #JusticeForPOJK https://t.co/rL1PZYe0MP
— Nighat Abbas (@Nighat_Abbass) November 7, 2026
Human rights concerns and reactions
The latest violence has drawn concern from human rights groups. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over reports of casualties among both protesters and law enforcement personnel. It urged the federal and regional governments to begin meaningful dialogue, prevent further loss of life and ensure that media organisations have unhindered access to the region.
HRCP is deeply concerned by reports of a fresh spate of violence in Rawalakot in AJK, with allegations of casualties among both protesters and law enforcement personnel. As raised in our fact-finding mission to AJK earlier in August, we reiterate that the federal and AJK governments must prevent the situation from deteriorating further and immediately begin a meaningful dialogue to address citizens' concerns. The media must also be given unhindered access to report from the region independently. The priority must be to prevent any loss of life and resolve the situation through political dialogue rather than by force.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) November 6, 2026
The United Nations has also raised concerns over the ban on JAAC. In Jul, the UN human rights office said the proscription of the committee and restrictions on peaceful assembly raised concerns about freedom of expression, association and assembly. In a communication made public in November, six UN human rights experts questioned whether the designation complied with international standards.
Videos circulating on social media following the Rawalakot operation show burning homes and scenes of violence, while chants of “Le ke rahenge Inquilab” have also been heard in protest footage. The reports and videos have renewed concerns about the situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and calls for an independent investigation into the deaths and allegations of excessive force.
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