The banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) sit-in at Rawalakot’s Drek Eidgah has failed to attract public support, with the large number of empty chairs at the venue reflecting what many see as a clear rejection of the group by the majority of the population, according to a report.
The JAAC had called people to Rawalakot under the banner of fundamental rights and sought to create the impression that it could exert pressure on state institutions through a mass gathering, disrupt the system, and establish a front against the state. However, these efforts appear to have fallen short of expectations.
As the group’s agenda and narrative became more widely known, including allegations of anti-state and anti-Pakistan rhetoric, public support reportedly declined. Observers point to the sparsely attended sit-in as evidence that the group no longer enjoys significant public backing or a broadly accepted narrative.
Critics have also condemned what they describe as the use of women and children to shield the group from criticism and to offset the poor turnout. At the same time, allegations have emerged that some of the group’s supporters have been involved in harassing and threatening government officials and challenging the writ of the state in various areas, contributing to public concern and unrest.
Many residents believe that the people of Kashmir have already rejected the group’s agenda. They argue that greater efforts are needed to discourage activities that could undermine the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir, create instability, or mislead young people.
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