MUZAFFARABAD — The first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections concluded on Monday amid violence, allegations of election rigging, and growing political tensions, while separate, unverified reports of a security crackdown on peaceful protesters added to concerns over the region’s stability.
Polling was held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, covering the districts of Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli. Voting began at 8 a.m. and ended at 6 p.m. after election authorities granted a one-hour extension.
The electoral process was disrupted by several incidents. A man was killed and two others were injured in Kotli’s LA-9 Nakyal constituency following clashes linked to rival political groups. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) accused supporters of a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate of responsibility, while the PML-N rejected the allegation and said the deceased had also participated in its campaign activities. Authorities have confirmed the casualty and are investigating the incident.
Earlier in the day, polling was suspended at several polling stations after disturbances, while both the PPP and PML-N accused each other of attempting to influence voting. The Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) also faced allegations of irregularities in Bhimber. Election officials have yet to announce the outcome of these complaints.
Alongside the official developments, several claims circulated widely on social media but remain independently unverified. Posts and videos shared online alleged that more than ten polling stations were set on fire and that police had launched investigations. Other posts claimed voter turnout was historically low, estimating participation at below 20 percent, although no official turnout figures supporting those claims had been released at the time of writing.
Social media footage also appeared to show nearly empty polling stations throughout the day, with election staff reportedly waiting for voters. Separate videos, which have not been independently verified, appeared to show individuals in security force uniforms casting ballots, prompting calls for clarification from election authorities.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed local media and social media reports alleged that security forces used tear gas and live ammunition against peaceful protesters in Rawalakot and surrounding areas. The reported casualties have not been independently verified. Numerous videos and photographs circulating online appear consistent with scenes of heavy security deployment and large public demonstrations, but their full context and authenticity remain under investigation.
The reported unrest comes amid a prolonged protest movement in parts of Kashmir, where some groups have called for an election boycott. Independent observers say the allegations underscore the need for transparent investigations to maintain public confidence in the electoral process and protect the rights of all citizens.__Photo courtesy Arab News
