Election Turmoil in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir: Armed Incidents and Voter Intimidation

Lawlessness During Elections in PoJK

The ongoing elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have once again highlighted the alarming state of lawlessness, with reports of citizens facing intimidation while trying to exercise their voting rights. A disturbing video has emerged, depicting armed individuals forcibly taking ballot boxes from a polling station in the Samahni region of PoJK. This incident occurred during the first phase of voting for 13 constituencies in the Mirpur Division.

In a separate occurrence, violence erupted near the Ramloha polling station in the Smahni constituency, LA-6, where clashes and gunfire were reported. Witnesses claimed that polling staff were being held against their will. Additionally, there have been numerous allegations of fraudulent voting and coercion under the threat of firearms.

Further reports from PoJK indicate that Pakistani forces opened fire on demonstrators in Rawalakot, who were marching towards Muzaffarabad as part of a protest organized by the JKJAAC.