The shutdown affected major urban centers, including the regional capital Muzaffarabad, where residents reported largely deserted markets, closed shops and inactive transport hubs. Similar conditions were reported in other towns across the territory.The strike followed violent confrontations on Sunday in the city of Rawalakot between JAAC supporters and security personnel.

According to authorities, seven people were killed in the unrest, marking one of the deadliest episodes of political violence in the region in recent years.The clashes erupted after the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a formal constitutional amendment.

The JAAC, an alliance established in 2003, has campaigned for expanded political rights for residents of the territory and has long demanded the elimination of the refugee seats. The group argues that the arrangement grants disproportionate political influence to individuals who do not live within the territory.

Residents told local media that public participation in Tuesday’s strike was difficult to assess, with some people appearing to support the shutdown while others remained indoors due to concerns over potential violence.Prior to Sunday’s clashes, the JAAC had announced plans for a strike and a long march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad.

Witnesses said thousands of supporters gathered in the eastern city of Mirpur on Tuesday in preparation for the planned mobilization.Authorities responded by deploying additional police and security personnel throughout the region.

Internet services were also suspended in several major cities in an effort to limit mobilization and prevent further unrest.Police and regional government officials accused armed JAAC supporters of opening fire on security forces during Sunday’s violence. The organization has not publicly responded to those allegations in the information provided.

The regional government formally banned the JAAC last week, citing concerns over public order and security. Dozens of supporters have since been detained as part of the crackdown.Regional Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said his administration remains willing to engage in dialogue with representatives of the movement.

He stated that most of the group’s demands had been addressed during negotiations held last year, with the exception of issues relating to refugee seats and certain benefits provided to government officials and ministers.According to Rathore, those unresolved matters require legislative action because of constitutional limitations.

The refugee seats are allocated to individuals and families who migrated to Pakistan from Indian-administered Kashmir following decades of conflict over the disputed Himalayan territory. The arrangement was designed to provide representation for displaced communities affected by the region’s long-running political dispute.

Kashmir remains divided between Pakistan and India, both of which claim the territory in full. The dispute has been a central source of tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors since their independence in 1947 and has led to multiple wars and recurring periods of instability.

Political tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have intensified ahead of elections scheduled for next month, with debate over refugee representation emerging as a major issue following the recent court ruling and subsequent unrest.

The violence erupted after supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a movement advocating economic and governance reforms, pressed ahead with planned demonstrations despite being outlawed by authorities under anti-terrorism legislation.

Sardar Waheed, the top civilian official in Rawalakot, said three civilians were killed and about 40 others wounded during the clashes.

Police said four officers were also killed and 23 injured, bringing the overall death toll to seven.

Authorities moved against the organization over the weekend, sealing its central office and imposing restrictions on large public gatherings in Muzaffarabad, the largest city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Police confirmed that more than 70 JAAC members were arrested during operations carried out ahead of the planned protests.

Despite fears of wider unrest, markets in Muzaffarabad reopened on Monday under a heavy security presence. Residents had earlier rushed to stockpile supplies amid concerns that demonstrations and possible shutdowns would disrupt daily life.

JAAC leaders rejected the government’s decision to classify the group as a terrorist organization, describing the move as political repression and insisting their campaign is focused on legitimate demands for economic relief, political accountability and governance reforms.

The latest confrontation follows a similar wave of unrest in September, when protests led by the group triggered days of clashes that left nine people dead.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir has witnessed periodic demonstrations in recent years over inflation, electricity costs, governance issues and demands for greater political representation.

The Himalayan region of Kashmir remains one of South Asia’s most sensitive territorial disputes. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in full but administer separate portions following their partition and independence from British rule in 1947.

The man, identified by officials as Zeeshan Mir from Muzaffarabad, was intercepted by Indian Army personnel after crossing the de facto border and was subsequently handed over to police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

According to officials familiar with the inquiry, preliminary questioning indicated that Mir had been facing personal and financial difficulties and had reportedly been under pressure from family members to contribute financially to his household. Investigators said he appeared distressed during questioning and claimed to have been struggling with depression.

Officials said Mir had established contact through Snapchat with Irum Bano, a resident of Tulwari village in Uri, and that the two gradually developed a close relationship through online interactions.

Investigators said the connection deepened after they discovered family links to the same border village, with Mir allegedly tracing his ancestral roots to the area where Bano currently resides.

According to officials, Mir shared details of his personal circumstances with Bano and discussed the possibility of building a future in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are examining claims that the pair discussed a plan under which Mir would cross the LoC, surrender to security forces and pursue legal avenues to remain in the region after completing any legal process related to his entry.

Officials said Mir allegedly believed he could later seek to reclaim ancestral property and settle in the area permanently.

The plan came to an end shortly after his crossing when Army personnel intercepted him before he could travel further inland.

Following Mir’s detention, authorities also questioned Bano to verify elements of his account. During the interaction, she reportedly appealed for leniency and requested that he not be deported, according to officials familiar with the matter.

Security agencies said they are continuing to verify the claims made by both individuals and are investigating all possible aspects of the case, including whether any external influence, coercion or other factors may have been involved.

In a statement posted on X, the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed the apprehension and said troops exercised restraint during the operation.

“A POJK intruder has been apprehended, who was intercepted by alert Chinar Warriors while crossing the Line of Control in Uri Sector. The vigilant troops maintained restraint while challenging the intruder and surgically apprehended the individual,” the Army said, adding that he had been handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir Police for legal proceedings.

The incident highlights the enduring social and family ties that continue to link communities divided by the Line of Control. Families in several frontier districts maintain relatives across the divide, and cross-border marriages have historically been common despite decades of political and military tensions between India and Pakistan.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached regarding the circumstances behind Mir’s crossing.