At least 20 people have been killed and over 50 injured across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following a military crackdown on demonstrations calling for a boycott of the regional legislative elections. The violence erupted as security personnel deployed live ammunition and tear gas against protesters in Rawalakot’s Dreik Eighth area.
The latest casualties bring the estimated death toll to 80 since regional agitation organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) began on June 5.
Key Highlights of the Crisis
-
Rawalakot Violence: Heavy firing was reported in Rawalakot as Pakistani security forces targeted JAAC members and civilians. Among the deceased is Usman Nazir, the brother of JAAC core committee member Umar Nazir Kashmiri.
-
Massive Security Deployment: Islamabad has deployed over 14,000 armed security personnel, including paramilitary troops and snipers, across PoK to enforce the election process.
-
Communications Blackout: Authorities have suspended internet and mobile communication services across major protest centers while cutting electricity and water supplies in targeted areas.
-
Plea to the International Community: Social media footage and video messages from local activists, including PoK-based influencer Aqeel Bhai, showed casualties lining local roads, appealing to global media and international human rights bodies to intervene.
Overview of the PoK Legislative Elections
The election boycott campaign, spearheaded by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), stems from opposition to the 12 reserved assembly seats allocated to refugees residing elsewhere in Pakistan. The group argues these reserved seats undermine local representation.
Official voting is scheduled to run through August 10 across three phases, covering 45 directly elected constituencies alongside 8 reserved seats. However, widespread protests and military enforcement continue to paralyze normal life across the region.
