Protest Group Says 30 Dead in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Vote Unrest
A protest group has claimed responsibility for at least 20 deaths during a violent confrontation between police and protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where regional elections were held earlier this week. The protests, which began on Monday as part of the first round of voting, turned deadly when police fired bullets into crowds.
The violence was sparked by reports that JAAC (Joint Awami Action Committee) supporters had boycotted the vote and staged demonstrations in several towns across the region. However, the group’s leaders have denied any involvement in the protests or clashes with security forces.
According to eyewitnesses, at least 10 protesters were killed on Monday during a march organized by JAAC members, while another 20 died when police clashed with protesters later that day. The violence was further exacerbated by reports of additional deaths and injuries in subsequent days.
The Joint Awami Action Committee has called for an investigation into the incidents and urged Pakistani authorities to restore communication services and allow independent observers to monitor the situation.
Pakistan’s ruling party, the PML-N, won 9 out of the 13 seats that were up for election on Monday. However, no justification was given by authorities for using lethal force against protesters in the region.
The protests have been ongoing since June when JAAC was banned under “anti-terrorism laws.” The ban has led to widespread unrest and clashes between police and protesters across Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Amnesty International has condemned reports of deadly violence against protesters, calling it “disturbing” and urging an investigation into the incidents. Rights group ACLED also expressed concern over the situation, stating that the violence will likely overshadow the legitimacy of the entire electoral exercise.
The disputed 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees have been a point of contention in the elections. JAAC supporters argue that these seats are used by major Pakistani political parties to gain an advantage in local politics and tip the balance of power towards their own faction.
Pakistan’s ruling party, the PML-N, is likely to need the support of some of the 12 representatives in order to form a regional government. However, Hasan Askari, a political analyst, warned that this could be difficult given the controversy surrounding these seats.
“The fact that there are 12 controversial seats means that it will be challenging for the PML-N to find a solution to this issue,” Askari said. “If their government is dependent on those seats, how would they be able to address the concerns of Kashmiri refugees and other stakeholders?”
The situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir remains volatile, with reports of additional violence and unrest continuing to emerge over the coming days.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
