Protest Group Says 30 Dead in Pakistan-administered Kashmir Vote Unrest
A protest group has expressed deep concern over mounting reports of deadly clashes during regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where a banned activist group has boycotted the vote. The violence has resulted in more than 30 reported deaths.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is led by Sardar Umar Nazir, claimed that at least 20 supporters were killed during a march on Monday when the first round of voting took place. Reports also emerged of at least 10 other protesters being killed in towns such as Rawalakot and Mirpur.
The JAAC has listed reports of additional protester deaths the following day, including those who died during sit-ins. Pakistani authorities have said that one member of security personnel was killed and five more were injured in clashes on Monday.
Amnesty International called the reports of lethal force against protesters “disturbing” and urged an investigation into the violence. The rights group also criticized Pakistan’s primary governing party, the PML-N, for its handling of the situation.
The JAAC has been banned by local authorities under anti-terrorism laws since June, which led to deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Banking, roads, and internet services have largely been disrupted since then, hindering information flow.
Pakistani officials have justified their crackdown on the JAAC as a response to armed fighters joining the Kashmiri protesters. India has rejected similar accusations in the past.
The JAAC’s central demand is the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, which are used by major Pakistani political parties to gain influence over local parliament members. The PML-N would likely need support from these seats to form a regional government.
However, Hasan Askari, a political analyst, believes that this could lead to instability and undermine the legitimacy of the entire electoral exercise. “When their government is dependent on those 12 controversial seats, how will it be able to find a solution for this issue?” he asked.
The election results were contested by parties, with accusations of ballot box stealing and vote rigging reported. The situation remains volatile as Pakistan-administered Kashmir prepares to hold its second round of voting on August 2 and August 10.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
