In light of escalating criticism regarding the suppression of fundamental freedoms in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), security measures have significantly increased, with the deployment of over 2,100 army personnel. This decision coincides with the ongoing Legislative Assembly elections in the territory. Reports indicate that a multi-layered security apparatus, including police and additional security forces, has been mobilised to ensure order during the electoral process.

The personnel involved in this extensive security operation encompass various agencies. The first layer includes local police, while the second layer consists of Pakistan Rangers from both Punjab and Sindh, alongside the Federal Constabulary. The Pakistan Army represents the third layer of security, with Quick Response Force teams positioned to address any emergencies that may arise throughout the elections.

In total, around 18,560 law enforcement personnel have been tasked with maintaining security under a comprehensive, three-tier plan, aimed at safeguarding the electoral process from potential disruptions.

Claims of Electoral Irregularities by Awami Committee

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has expressed serious concerns regarding the integrity of the elections, alleging irregularities ahead of the initial voting phase. In a series of posts on X, the committee spotlighted apparent signs of irregularities in the Mirpur Division, asserting that transparent processes are not being followed.

JAAC noted that polling, which was scheduled to commence at 8 a.m., faced significant delays, with many polling stations in Kotli reportedly not opening by 10 a.m. The committee described the situation in Kotli as being “completely shut down,” contributing to suspicions about the fairness of the elections.

Additionally, the Joint Awami Action Committee has announced a boycott of the elections due to their demand for the abolition of twelve assembly seats that are reserved for refugees, alleging that these seats allow mainstream political parties to manipulate the formation of government. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has also labelled the elections a sham, asserting that the local populace has rejected the current electoral process.

International Response and Local Protests

International attention has been drawn to the situation in POJK, particularly regarding the ongoing protests and the actions of the Pakistani state. Notably, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, openly critiqued the restrictions on internet access during heightened tensions, indicating that such communication blackouts severely hinder the right to freedom of expression and information sharing.

Amidst these developments, India has voiced its concerns at the UN Security Council, condemning Pakistan’s ongoing infractions of basic rights in POJK. Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni highlighted the systematic suppression of freedoms faced by Kashmiris in the region, asserting that these acts are indicative of a larger, longstanding agenda by the Pakistani state.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has previously stated that the Pakistani government has responded with considerable police brutality to the local population’s grievances, asserting that the current unrest is a direct result of decades of systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights in the region.

Amnesty International has also condemned the tactics employed by Pakistan in advance of the regional elections, describing the ban on JAAC as a disproportionate assault on peaceful political activism. The ongoing tensions have prompted calls from various watchdog organisations for the international community to hold the Pakistani authorities accountable for their actions.

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