Escalating Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Amid Elections
Intensifying Unrest During Elections
Srinagar: Protests have surged in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) as assembly elections unfold in the area. Reports indicate that at least 17 protesters lost their lives and many others were injured due to gunfire from Pakistani rangers. Local sources have identified 16 of the deceased, while the identity of one victim remains unverified due to a lack of identification documents. Among those killed was Usman Nazir, sibling of JAAC leader Sardar Umar Nazir. Additionally, around 30 individuals suffered serious injuries during the clashes.
The first phase of elections for the so-called legislative assembly in PoJK is currently taking place. It is important to note that PoJK is recognized as part of India but is under illegal occupation by Pakistan. Violence erupted near the Ramloha polling station in the Samahni constituency, where allegations surfaced that polling staff were being held hostage. There have also been reports of fraudulent voting and intimidation at gunpoint.
A video emerged showing armed individuals stealing ballot boxes from a polling station in the Samahni area. Further reports indicated that Pakistani forces opened fire on protesters in Rawalakot during a march organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) towards Muzaffarabad. Originally set for July 27, the elections are now being conducted in three phases from July 27 to August 10, covering 53 seats in the PoJK assembly—45 of which are directly elected, while eight are reserved for women, technocrats, and clerics.
Both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have accused each other of electoral fraud in various constituencies. The primary demand of the JAAC was the elimination of the 12 refugee seats, a request that the government has declined. Last month, violence erupted after the Pakistani government imposed a ban on the JKJAAC, resulting in numerous casualties, including security personnel.
India has characterized the protests in PoK as a "direct consequence" of Islamabad's long-standing "systematic exploitation and administrative oppression" in the region, which is under its "forcible" occupation. The Indian government has also condemned the reported use of police force against the demonstrators.