India, June 11 -- Economic despair, democratic deficits and a heavy-handed crackdown on the JAAC movement have pushed it to its brink in years

The streets of Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Mirpur do not burn without reason. What began as a campaign for subsidised flour and affordable electricity by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has morphed into a full-blown political rebellion against Islamabad's grip on Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Markets are shuttered, paramilitary boots are on the ground, and at least eleven protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces. Islamabad's response - banning the JAAC, placing bounties on its leaders, and flooding the region with federal forces - has only poured fuel on the fire. The ...