The JKJAAC has laid a 38-point charter of demands, which includes removal of perks of the ruling elites.

The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) faced escalating tensions with an indefinite lockdown and protests led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) on Monday.

Pakistan has suspended cellular, fibre internet services and mobile phone services across the region. The show of force by the government came as the JKJAAC escalated its campaign, vowing to shut down the region to protest what it calls the decades-long denial of fundamental rights.

The JKJAAC has laid a 38-point charter of demands, which includes removal of perks of the ruling elites, ending 12 seats in the Assembly reserved for Kashmiri migrants who came from the Indian side of the territory, and royalty for hydel power projects in the region.

In Muzaffarabad, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a core member of the action committee, toured several neighbourhoods with colleagues and dozens of followers.

Last week, the talks between Pakistan federal ministers’ delegation and members of joint action committee failed because the Pakistan government couldn’t meet the demands of the committee.

Situation on ground: What local, intelligence sources say

“Massive protests are going on in PoK’s big and small towns. Thousands of locals are holding rallies for their rights and chanting slogans,” said sources.

“There is a complete communication blackout. The Pakistan administration has shut down the cellular and internet services in PoK. All WiFi and 2-G communication is blocked,” said sources.

There are reports of many arrests. “Key active members of the JKACC were arrested and abducted late night in the valley,” said sources.

“Pakistan has deployed 2,000 additional troops of Punjab Police, Rangers and frontier constabulary to crush protesters. Paramilitary forces have been deployed in all district headquarters of PoK. All major roads leading to Kashmir are closed, with snap checking at all points,” said sources.