Rawalakot, a city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has been largely sealed off for two months due to deadly protests and subsequent security crackdowns. Dozens of people have died in clashes between security forces and demonstrators, according to reports.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is leading the protests, advocating for rights such as improved healthcare and electricity access. However, authorities have accused the JAAC of attempting to disrupt regional elections and labeled the group as armed and foreign-funded.
The government banned the JAAC in June and has described them as terrorists. The committee denies these accusations, asserting their peaceful intentions and stating that while they receive funding from the diaspora within Pakistan-administered Kashmir, they are not sponsored by India. The BBC has gained access to Rawalakot and spoken with residents about the ongoing situation at the heart of the demonstrations.