MUZAFFARABAD – Azad Kashmir witnessed security clampdown and shutter down strikes as members of banned Bhimber – based Joint Awami Action Committee started long march, setting stage for widening disruptions across multiple districts. Nearly 18,00-2,000 participants are taking part in the agitation, moving from Bhimber in phases through different regions. The development underscores the growing complexity of the situation.

Background

A broader look at the circumstances reveals why this development is being watched so closely.

Authorities report that groups of protesters are advancing from areas encompassing Barnala, Kotli, and nearby localities, gradually making their way toward Mirpur and Rawalakot, while security forces maintain heightened patrols along key highways.

The march is expected to continue from Mirpur to Rawalakot and to reach Muzaffarabad, raising concerns of further escalation in the region.

Compounding the significance of these events, the situation in Muzaffarabad remained tense, with a complete shutdown being observed following a call from the Awami Action Committee.

Markets across the city remain closed, while government offices are officially open but are operating with a minimal presence of staff.

Analysis

Those with expertise in the area say the timing of this development is particularly notable.

Public transport comes to halt, and all petrol pumps in the city have been shut down.

At the same time, despite the imposition of Section 144, groups of young people have been seen gathering at key intersections, adding to concerns about crowd control and enforcement challenges.

In what observers are describing as a key detail, authorities had earlier imposed restrictions after the government declared the Joint Awami Action Committee a banned organisation, further intensifying the political atmosphere on the ground.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, in Muzaffarabad, some traders say the closure of businesses is voluntary and not the finding of any coercion.

National Impact

For many, the real significance lies not just in what happened — but in what comes next.

One local shopkeeper stated that he shut down his shop on his own and will continue the strike until demands are addressed or an official announcement ends the protest.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, traders estimate that the ongoing shutdown is causing losses of just under Rs1billion per day, while thousands of daily-wage workers in the hotel and service sectors have been forced to stay home, cutting off vital income streams.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, although conditions in Muzaffarabad remain largely calm for now, reports from other parts of region remain mixed, with conflicting accounts about law and order as the long march continues to unfold.

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What Happens Next

As the full scope of these developments becomes clear, questions about what comes next remain at the forefront. Officials and analysts agree that the situation warrants continued close attention.