Deadly Protests Erupt in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Region

Clashes Erupt in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir, Resulting in at Least 11 Deaths

A violent confrontation between police and protesters occurred on Sunday in Rawalakot city, capital of Poonch district, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, with over 70 injured.

The protests were sparked by a banned civil society group’s scheduled demonstration for Tuesday. Authorities had deployed federal paramilitary troops and issued a travel advisory to restrict movement before the protest went ahead despite the restrictions.

According to officials, four police officers and a passer-by died after being shot at by miscreants. Six protesters were also killed in the clashes, with 23 security officials and 50 protesters among those injured.

Local authorities had previously warned visitors to avoid traveling to the area due to concerns about unexpected situations or inconvenience. The government also requested that individuals already in the territory leave by Friday evening to avoid any unpleasant situations.

The region of Kashmir is a disputed Himalayan territory claimed by both India and Pakistan, with China controlling a portion of it. Pakistan-administered Kashmir has its own semi-autonomous system, with its own prime minister and legislative assembly, but ultimate authority rests with Islamabad.

A local organization, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), had emerged as the leader of a protest movement in the region. The JAAC was recently proscribed under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2014 by the local government.

Protests organized by the JAAC have led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces in the past, resulting in casualties. In response to Sunday’s incident, the JAAC leadership accused authorities of unleashing violence, while officials claimed that their actions were aimed at restoring law and order.

Internet access remained restricted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir for a third consecutive day, according to data from NetBlocks. The protests are against the reservation of 12 seats in the region’s legislative assembly.

Source: Al Jazeera