Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have escalated dramatically, with at least 11 people killed and more than 70 injured during violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest follows the regional government's decision to ban the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society group that has led campaigns against economic hardship and political grievances in the region.
The latest violence erupted when JAAC supporters gathered outside a hospital morgue where the body of an activist had been brought after an earlier shooting incident. As crowds swelled, security personnel moved to disperse the demonstrators, triggering confrontations that quickly turned deadly. Gunfire was reported during the clashes, resulting in casualties among both protesters and law enforcement personnel.
Authorities have also launched a crackdown on the movement, carrying out multiple arrests and increasing security deployments across sensitive areas.
The regional administration last week designated the Joint Awami Action Committee as a banned organisation under anti-terrorism laws. Officials have not publicly detailed all the reasons behind the move, but the decision has sparked widespread outrage among the group's supporters.
JAAC members and sympathisers argue that the organisation has been advocating legitimate public concerns, including rising living costs, inadequate public services and political representation. The ban has become a major catalyst for the current wave of protests and shutdowns across the region.
A key trigger for the demonstrations was the government's decision to reserve 12 seats in the 45-member legislative assembly for refugees residing outside Kashmir but elsewhere in Pakistan. JAAC leaders contend that the measure dilutes the political voice of local residents and reduces their representation in the assembly.
However, dissatisfaction extends beyond the issue of reserved seats. Over the past two years, the organisation has mobilised large-scale protests over inflation, electricity shortages, unemployment, soaring utility bills and what it describes as the continued political marginalisation of the region.
Many residents have echoed these concerns, citing worsening economic conditions and inadequate attention to local issues.
The violence has drawn criticism from rights groups, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. The commission expressed concern over the use of anti-terror laws against the JAAC and questioned the decision to ban the organisation.
The commission emphasised that citizens should be allowed to engage in peaceful protest and urged authorities to address public grievances through dialogue rather than force. It has also announced plans to send a fact-finding team to assess conditions on the ground.
Despite the ban and ongoing crackdown, JAAC leaders have signalled that they will continue their campaign. The group has accused authorities of attempting to suppress dissent through arrests, restrictions and the use of force.
The shutdown called by the organisation was intended not only to oppose the reserved assembly seats but also to protest the ban, internet restrictions and the death of one of its leaders.
With regional elections scheduled for July 27, authorities have intensified security measures. Mobile internet services have reportedly been suspended in several areas, restrictions have been imposed on large public gatherings and the JAAC's central office has been sealed.
Security forces remain deployed across key locations amid concerns that further demonstrations could occur in the coming days.
The deteriorating security situation has begun attracting international attention. Several countries, including United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have updated travel advisories for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, warning citizens about the escalating unrest and security risks.
As tensions remain high, observers fear that continued confrontation between protesters and authorities could further destabilise the region in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
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