At least 14 activists from the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) reportedly lost their lives during confrontations with law enforcement in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on July 27, 2026. The organisation accused security personnel of firing on protesters participating in the first phase of elections for the regional legislative assembly. The initial claims of fatalities emerged as the JAAC intensified its protests over 12 contested seats in the assembly, alleging that these positions are manipulated by the government to appoint a favoured prime minister.

The local authorities disputed the JAAC’s account, asserting that the protesters had initiated the violence by allegedly opening fire on security forces. The situation escalated as clashes broke out during an event that marked the beginning of voting on 13 seats.

Abid Shaheen, a core member of JAAC, mentioned to BBC that approximately a dozen members had been killed, with more than 20 others injured in the unrest. Another member, Imtiaz Aslam, confirmed the death toll of 14, highlighting that among the deceased was Usman Nazir, the brother of the organisation’s founding member, Umar Nazir. Following the clashes, the deceased activists’ remains were transported to a medical facility near Drek, where the JAAC has maintained a sit-in for over a month.

Disputed Claims and Official Responses

The JAAC categorically denied allegations that its members were armed during the march, stating they carried only sticks. However, PoK police chief Captain (retd.) Liaquat Ali Malik dismissed these claims, asserting that those involved were armed and had targeted security personnel. He noted that the reported deaths could not be validated until the bodies were accounted for through official channels.

In the aftermath of the violence, Malik confirmed that one Rangers personnel was killed and an additional two were wounded. He also reported injuries to two police officers. During the clashes, it was stated that JAAC activists positioned in more elevated terrains commenced firing on law enforcement as night fell, with protests attempting to advance toward Rawalakot.

Local administration officials indicated that around 3,000 demonstrators had marched from Drek towards Rawalakot and another 2,000 from the bus terminal, but were barred from entering the city by authorities. Concerns were raised in the Poonch region, where police alleged that JAAC-linked groups attempted to breach Rawalakot and opened fire when instructed to disband, resulting in injuries to police officers.

Long-standing Protests and Legislative Controversies

The confrontation followed weeks of protests by the JAAC demanding the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees. Their demonstrations, which began on June 9, 2026, had reportedly led to around 40 fatalities prior to the recent violence, comprising 34 protesters and six personnel from police and paramilitary forces. Negotiations with the government prior to the elections failed to yield a resolution, and the JAAC was banned just last month.

The first phase of voting took place in Mirpur, with polling in Muzaffarabad scheduled for August 2 and in the Poonch division on August 10. Authorities have imposed a suspension of Internet services across the Kashmir region and instituted a media blackout regarding coverage of JAAC protests.

The legislative assembly in the disputed region consists of 53 seats, of which 45 are elected directly, while the remaining eight are designated for women, technocrats, and clerics. The developments in PoK underscore ongoing tensions over political representation and rights amidst a backdrop of historical grievances.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share