A fresh wave of violence has emerged in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuries to over 70. This turmoil follows the regional government’s decision to ban the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance that has spearheaded various protests regarding economic and political grievances. The clashes reportedly occurred during a gathering of JAAC supporters in Rawalakot, where they assembled outside a hospital morgue to mourn a fellow activist who was shot earlier.

Security forces, including police and paramilitary units, reportedly moved in to disperse the crowd, which they deemed unlawful due to the ban on the JAAC under anti-terrorism legislation. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the situation escalated rapidly, leading to violent confrontations that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries among both security personnel and protesters.

Details of the Clashes and Casualties

According to Sardar Waheed Khan, the commissioner of the Poonch sector, four police officers and a civilian were among the deceased. He stated, “As a result of miscreants shooting, four police officers and a passerby died,” adding that the number of fatalities among protesters reached six in the ensuing chaos. Police chief Liaqat Malik confirmed that approximately 23 security personnel were injured alongside around 50 protesters during these disturbances. The authorities further indicated that multiple arrests took place during the confrontations.

Local residents and supporters of the JAAC, however, contested the official narrative, claiming that civilian casualties might be underreported. The protests were triggered by various factors, including a recent legislative move that reserved 12 seats in the 45-member assembly for refugees living outside of Kashmir, which has drawn sharp criticism for undermining local representation.

The JAAC has also raised alarms about pressing social issues, including inflation, unemployment, and electricity shortages. Over the past two years, they have organised numerous demonstrations aimed at addressing these concerns, many of which devolved into clashes with authorities.

International Concern and Travel Advisories

The escalating violence has caught the attention of international observers, prompting the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) to express deep concern over the situation. The HRCP labelled the banning of JAAC under anti-terror laws as troubling and emphasised that meaningful dialogue is essential amid ongoing political disenfranchisement. They called for respect for the right to peaceful protest and urged the federal and regional governments to engage in discussions to alleviate tensions.

In light of the unrest, JAAC leaders have committed to continuing their advocacy, asserting that their campaign will persist despite the ban. Prominent among them, JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir denounced the violence in a video message shared on social media platform X.

Authorities have reinforced security measures across PoK as elections approach, scheduled for July 27. Measures have included disruptions to mobile data services, restrictions on large gatherings, and reports of the JAAC’s central office being sealed. The increasingly precarious situation has led nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada to issue travel advisories for their citizens regarding travel to the region.

These advisories caution of potential road closures, significant security deployments, and communication blackouts, advising foreign nationals to avoid protests and monitor local media while adhering to guidance from local authorities. Concerns about the ongoing crisis seem to be intensifying as the elections draw nearer.

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