The leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Sardar Aman Khan, has appealed to India for humanitarian assistance amid the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), claiming that the region is facing severe shortages of essential supplies following a crackdown by Pakistani authorities.

According to Khan, residents are struggling to access food and medicines as security operations against protesters continue. He also urged India to consider opening the Line of Control (LoC) to allow humanitarian assistance and provide civilians with the option of crossing into India if the situation worsens.

JAAC chief calls for humanitarian assistance

Speaking at a public gathering, Khan claimed that an economic blockade imposed after the crackdown had created serious hardships for people in the region.

In a video that has circulated widely on social media, he is heard saying that PoK residents need India’s assistance due to shortages of essential commodities.

He also appealed for the opening of crossing points along the LoC, particularly in the Poonch and Doda sectors, alleging that the ongoing restrictions had further intensified the humanitarian situation.

During the rally at Rawalakot’s Eidgah Ground, Khan asked the crowd whether they should move towards the Line of Control. The gathering repeatedly responded in support of the proposal.

He further warned that if public demands continued to be met with force, people could consider other options.

It is important to note that the authenticity of the viral video, reportedly from Khan’s June 30 rally, has not been independently verified.

Protests continue across PoK

The appeal comes as demonstrations continue across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests against the Pakistani administration have been ongoing since last month.

During a recent rally at Eidgah Ground, protesters raised slogans including “PoK is not part of Pakistan” and “We want freedom,” indicating that the movement has expanded beyond demands for reforms to include calls for independence from Pakistan’s political control over the region.

Crackdown follows ban on JAAC

The unrest intensified after Pakistani authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee on June 5, designating the grassroots organisation as a terrorist group.

According to a recent report by the International Centre for Peace Studies, Pakistan has historically exercised significant political control over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan through mainstream political parties aligned with Islamabad.

The report also noted that the ruling party in Islamabad has consistently won elections in both regions, suggesting a long-standing pattern of political influence.

Meanwhile, several analysts have argued that the ongoing crisis reflects growing dissatisfaction among local residents with the regional administration, which they describe as lacking independent authority. They also contend that the ban on the JAAC and the use of force against protesters are part of broader efforts to suppress the expanding protest movement.

Crowds attending a funeral ceremony in Iran raised chants of “Death to Trump” as the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a public appearance during the event.

The slogans were heard as thousands gathered to pay tribute to those killed during the recent conflict involving Iran and Israel. The ceremony also marked one of Ayatollah Khamenei’s notable public appearances after the military escalation that had heightened tensions across the region.

Anti-US slogans raised during ceremony

Videos circulating from the funeral ceremony showed mourners chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Trump” while Ayatollah Khamenei attended the event. Such slogans have long been associated with state-backed public gatherings in Iran and were repeated during the ceremony attended by senior Iranian officials and large crowds.

The funeral was held to honour military commanders, nuclear scientists and other individuals who Iran says were killed during the recent conflict. The gathering drew thousands of people to the capital, where processions and official tributes were organised.

Public appearance after recent conflict

Ayatollah Khamenei’s appearance came after weeks of heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and subsequent military exchanges between the two countries. The conflict also saw the United States carry out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, further escalating regional tensions.

The funeral ceremony was among the Supreme Leader’s most significant public appearances since the conflict, with state media extensively covering the event.

Regional tensions remain high

Relations between Iran, Israel and the United States remain strained despite the ceasefire announced following the recent hostilities. Officials from the three countries continue to exchange strong statements over the military operations and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme.

The funeral ceremony reflected the continuing anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment expressed by sections of the Iranian establishment and supporters attending the event.

The United States of America is observing its Independence Day on July 4 with celebrations taking place across the country. Public events, parades, concerts, and fireworks have been organized in several cities as Americans mark the nation holiday.

Large gatherings have been reported in cities including Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, where thousands of people are participating in officials and community-led celebrations. Public parks, streets, and other venues have been prepared to host visitors throughout the day.

Government officials, including US President Donald Trump, extended Independence Day greetings and participated in events celebrating the occasion. Ceremonies honouring military personnel, experts, and first responders have also been held in different parts of he country.

Authorities have stepped up security arrangements at major event locations to manage large crowds. Additional police forces and emergency response teams have been posted, while officials have advised the public to follow safety instructions during the celebrations.

The holiday has also resulted in increased travel activity, with airports, highways, and railway stations experiencing heavy passenger movement. Hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are seeing a rise in visitors as many people use the long weekend for travel and family gatherings.

Although weather conditions have disrupted a few outdoor events in some areas, most programme are continuing as scheduled. Fireworks displays are expected to take place in the evening at several locations, including major cities known for their annual Independence Day celebrations.

The nation celebrates Independence Day every July 4. It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when 13 American colonies became independent from British rule. It is one of the most important national holidays in the United States and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, official ceremonies, and community events across the country.