Rawalakot, June 14: Protests led by activists and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) continued for the fourth consecutive day on the outskirts of Rawalakot, while a partial shutter-down strike was observed across several areas of Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Despite heightened tensions, no major untoward incident was reported during the day. However, the suspension of mobile phone services in Rawalakot after 8:30 pm made it difficult to obtain information about developments in the town, where the ongoing agitation has drawn widespread attention.
According to official sources and eyewitnesses, participants gathered at Eidgah Ground dispersed briefly during heavy rainfall in the early hours of Saturday. Protesters returned to nearby homes and host residences for rest and breakfast, similar to arrangements made on previous days. Around 400 young protesters, however, remained at the venue throughout the day to prevent law enforcement agencies from taking control of the protest site.
As the evening progressed, demonstrators gradually returned to the ground, significantly increasing the size of the gathering. Witnesses reported that a considerable number of women also participated in the sit-in and remained present until sunset. JAAC leaders were expected to address the gathering later in the night.
The protest coincided with a continued shutdown across many towns in Muzaffarabad Division and other parts of PoJK. Public transport services remained suspended for the fifth consecutive day, causing inconvenience to commuters and affecting normal business activity. Partial strikes were also reported from parts of Mirpur Division.
Reports indicated that authorities had intensified action against key JAAC activists and supporters, including the seizure of businesses allegedly linked to movement leaders in different areas of the region.
In Muzaffarabad, police reportedly conducted a raid on a men's hostel in an attempt to arrest Sohaib Javed, a prominent JAAC member. While authorities allegedly searched and damaged property during the operation, the activist was not found at the location.
Meanwhile, the suspension of internet services entered its eighth day, drawing criticism from residents. Students, freelancers and business owners expressed concern over the prolonged disruption, saying it was affecting education, communication and livelihoods. Many appealed to authorities to restore internet access at the earliest.
Amid the escalating situation, former president and prime minister of PoJK, Sardar Yaqoob Khan, renewed his appeal to JAAC leaders to end the agitation and seek a peaceful resolution. Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation, he urged all stakeholders to demonstrate flexibility and restraint.
The senior PPP leader said he had recently convened a meeting of mainstream political leaders to explore ways of resolving the impasse and stressed the need to rise above political differences in the larger interest of the region. He also cautioned against emotional reactions and called for dialogue and reconciliation.
Sardar Yaqoob announced that senior PPP leaders from PoJK would meet in Islamabad on Sunday to discuss the situation and formulate a collective response, following which a press conference would be held.
The ongoing protests, strikes, and communication restrictions continue to create uncertainty across the region, with many residents hoping for a negotiated settlement that would restore normalcy and address the concerns raised by the protesters.