11 Killed, over 70 injured in violent clashes in PoK ahead of region-wide shutdown
At least 11 people were killed and more than 70 others injured in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) ahead of a region-wide shutdown called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), according to reports.
The unrest erupted in Rawalakot after authorities banned the JAAC, a civil society alliance that has spearheaded protests on economic and political issues across the region over the past two years. The organisation was declared unlawful under anti-terrorism legislation by the regional administration last week.
Tensions escalated when supporters of the JAAC gathered outside a hospital morgue where the body of a fellow activist had been taken following an earlier shooting incident. Security personnel moved to disperse the crowd, triggering clashes that quickly turned deadly.
According to local authorities, four police officers and a passerby were killed after armed individuals allegedly opened fire during the confrontation. Officials said six protesters were subsequently killed during the security forces’ response. However, local residents and JAAC supporters have disputed the official version and claimed the civilian death toll may be higher.
Police officials reported that at least 23 security personnel and around 50 protesters sustained injuries. Several arrests were also made during the operation.
Why Are People Protesting?
The immediate trigger for the latest agitation was a government decision to reserve 12 seats in the 45-member legislative assembly for refugees residing outside Kashmir but elsewhere in Pakistan. JAAC leaders argue that the move dilutes local representation and undermines the political rights of residents in the region.
The organisation has also been vocal on issues such as inflation, electricity shortages, unemployment, governance concerns and what it describes as the political marginalisation of PoK residents. Previous demonstrations over rising electricity tariffs and flour prices have also witnessed confrontations with security forces.
The June 9 shutdown was called to protest the reserved seats, the ban on the JAAC, internet restrictions and the killing of one of the group's leaders.
Rights Body Raises Concerns
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and questioned the decision to outlaw the JAAC under anti-terror laws.
The commission said meaningful dialogue could not take place amid continued political disenfranchisement and stressed that the right to peaceful protest must be protected. It also announced plans to send a fact-finding mission to assess the ground situation.
Meanwhile, JAAC leaders vowed to continue their movement despite the ban. In a video message circulated on social media, JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir accused authorities of carrying out a crackdown against protesters and pledged to continue resisting government actions.
Security Tightened Ahead of Elections
Authorities have significantly strengthened security arrangements ahead of elections scheduled for July 27. Mobile internet services have reportedly been disrupted in several areas, restrictions have been imposed on public gatherings and the JAAC’s central office has been sealed.
The worsening security environment has also prompted travel advisories from several countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. The advisories warn travellers about possible road closures, communication disruptions, heavy security deployments and restrictions on movement in parts of the region.
With tensions continuing to rise and protest leaders refusing to back down, concerns are growing over further instability in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the weeks leading up to the scheduled elections.
