In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, regional elections have sparked deadly protests. Leaders from a banned Kashmiri group reported on Wednesday that more than 30 people were killed in clashes with security forces in the vicinity of one town. The unrest occurred just before the second round of elections.
Pakistan’s main governing party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), secured nine out of the 13 available seats in the districts of Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber on Monday. Originally scheduled for a single round on July 27, the elections were divided into three separate district-based votes due to security concerns. The following rounds are planned for August 2 and August 10.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan and winner of the 2021 elections, boycotted this vote, citing electoral fraud concerns.
Last June, the regional government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the primary protest movement in the area, leading to deadly protests last month. Since then, banking, road, and internet services have been disrupted, complicating the verification of the JAAC’s claim of over 30 deaths during clashes near Rawalakot, as reported by Reuters.
Authorities informed that a security personnel was killed and five others injured in clashes on Monday. An official, speaking anonymously, confirmed at least three protester deaths in Mirpur during the week.
Pakistani officials justified the crackdown, alleging that armed and India-backed militants were among the Kashmir protesters. India has previously denied such accusations.
Fazal Mahmood Baig, a Muzaffarabad resident, called the election fraudulent on Wednesday. Sardar Mazhar, during a protest in Islamabad, expressed the desire for a peaceful resolution.
Decades-Old Tensions
Tensions in self-governing and Pakistan-administered Kashmir have a long history. Demands for more regional autonomy have grown recently, with supporters accusing the national government in Islamabad of political interference and economic neglect.
Economic grievances frequently ignite protests. In 2022, demonstrators rallied against high electricity costs in the region, which supplies Pakistan with inexpensive hydroelectric power. Founded in 2023, JAAC prioritized electoral reform in response to these economic frustrations.
The region’s legislative assembly allocates 12 of its 45 directly elected seats to constituencies representing refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, a designation within its constitution. However, these seats often go to individuals residing outside the region, provoking accusations from JAAC that Islamabad uses this arrangement to sway local politics. Pakistani officials have rejected these allegations.