The authorities’ violent and sweeping crackdown on protests in Pakistan-administrated Jammu and Kashmir – including an internet shutdown, mass arbitrary arrests, and deadly use of force – continues an alarming deterioration of human rights in the region, Amnesty International said.
On 5 June, the region’s authorities issued a notification designating the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) as a “proscribed organization” under the first schedule of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. The JKJAAC is a grassroots movement advocating for the economic and political rights of the people of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The group planned to go ahead with a rally today despite a ban by the authorities.
“Branding a grassroots organization as ‘terrorist’ on vague grounds, while simultaneously cutting the region off from the outside world, raises serious concerns regarding the Pakistani authorities’ conduct and their disregard for human rights. The proscription of JKJAAC under anti-terror laws is disproportionate, unlawful and a violation of the right to freedom of association,” said Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia.
The proscription of JKJAAC under anti-terror laws is disproportionate, unlawful and a violation of the right to freedom of association
Isabelle Lassee, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia
“Sealing” the region
On 5 June, Pakistan’s government announced that elections would be held in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir on 27 July. On the same day, it suspended all internet and mobile network signals in the region until 12 June, ahead of a protest planned by the JKJAAC for 9 June after negotiations with the government over the make-up of the region’s legislature broke down.
On 5 June, the authorities also issued an advisory to “outsiders” to avoid travelling to the region from 5 June to 20 June and instructed visitors, particul

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