Deadly Clashes Reported in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir as Protesters and Authorities Trade Allegations

Fresh violence has been reported in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where civil rights groups allege that dozens of protesters were killed during a security crackdown as demonstrations over electoral reforms entered a new and more volatile phase.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a local civil society movement leading the protests, claims that at least 30 unarmed protesters were killed over two days during clashes with security forces. According to the organisation, 25 people died on Monday and five more on Tuesday after security personnel allegedly opened fire on large crowds gathered in different parts of the region.

The reported violence comes amid weeks of political unrest that began in June, when demonstrations over electoral reforms expanded into a wider movement demanding greater political representation and economic rights for residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

JAAC has accused security authorities of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators. The group further alleged that security personnel removed bodies from hospitals and protest sites in an attempt to conceal the scale of the violence. It claims to possess photographs and videos documenting casualties, although these allegations have not been independently verified.

Residents in Mirpur also reported renewed unrest as people gathered to protest the deaths reported during the previous day. According to local accounts, hospitals and nearby commercial areas were heavily affected by the security response, while movement in parts of the city was significantly restricted.

Independent verification of the reported death toll has proven difficult because of an ongoing communications blackout across much of the region. Internet and mobile phone services remain suspended in several areas, limiting access for journalists, humanitarian organisations and independent observers.

Pakistani authorities have rejected allegations that security forces deliberately targeted peaceful protesters. Government officials have instead accused elements behind the demonstrations of receiving support and direction from India, describing the unrest as being influenced by external actors seeking to destabilise the region.

JAAC has strongly denied those accusations, insisting that the movement is locally driven and focused on political and economic reforms. Representatives of the organisation argue that residents have been peacefully demanding changes to the region’s electoral system and greater local autonomy.

The current protests have largely centred on opposition to 12 reserved legislative seats allocated to refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir who now live elsewhere in Pakistan. Protest leaders argue that these seats give individuals living outside the territory disproportionate influence over local governance and weaken the political voice of permanent residents.

Demonstrations intensified as local legislative elections began under heavy security. Authorities introduced phased voting across the region, citing security concerns following months of unrest and violence.

The situation has drawn growing international attention. Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to restore internet and mobile communications, saying the restrictions prevent independent monitoring of developments and obstruct the public’s access to information.

The organisation has also urged the government to conduct a prompt, transparent and independent investigation into allegations that security forces used unlawful force against protesters.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has previously called for an investigation into earlier violence linked to the protests after deadly clashes were reported in June.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir has experienced recurring political tensions in recent years, but observers describe the current unrest as one of the most serious periods of instability in the territory in recent memory. Demonstrations that initially focused on economic grievances have evolved into broader demands for electoral reforms, political accountability and institutional change.

As security operations continue and communications remain restricted, uncertainty persists over the full extent of the violence. Human rights organisations continue to call for unrestricted media access, restoration of communication services and an impartial investigation into all allegations surrounding the recent clashes.

The situation remains fluid, with authorities maintaining heightened security measures while protest organisers continue to press for electoral reforms and accountability. Independent confirmation of casualty figures and other claims is expected to remain challenging until communication networks are fully restored and independent observers gain broader access to affected areas.

Courtesy: theguardian