Rights groups have voiced concern over escalating violence during regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after a banned activist organisation boycotted the polls and staged protests, with the group claiming more than 30 protesters were killed.
Leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) said clashes between police and demonstrators earlier this week left over 30 people dead. In a video statement on Wednesday, JAAC member Sardar Umar Nazir alleged that 20 supporters were killed during a protest march on Monday, the day the first phase of voting was held. He also claimed at least 10 more protesters died the following day in Rawalakot, Mirpur and other areas, including during sit-ins.
“Our demand was peaceful... we tried to keep it non-violent and bullets were fired,” Nazir said.
Pakistani authorities said one security official was killed and five others injured in Monday’s violence.
Amnesty International described reports of lethal force against protesters as “disturbing” and called for an independent investigation, while conflict monitor ACLED warned the violence could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
The first round of voting covered Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts, with two more phases scheduled for August 2 and August 10. Pakistan’s ruling PML-N secured nine of the 13 seats contested in Monday’s vote.
JAAC was banned under anti-terrorism laws in June, triggering widespread unrest that disrupted banking, road transport and internet services. Pakistani authorities alleged India-backed armed elements joined the protests, an accusation India has previously denied.
Amnesty also condemned the JAAC ban as unlawful, urging authorities to restore communications, allow media and independent observers into the region, and refrain from using deadly force against protesters.
JAAC has demanded the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, arguing they allow major Pakistani political parties to influence the regional parliament. Political analyst Hasan Askari said any future regional government dependent on those seats would struggle to resolve the dispute. Several parties also alleged ballot stuffing and vote rigging after Monday’s polling.