MUZAFFARABAD: At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured after violent clashes broke out in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, just one day before a major protest planned for Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera News. The unrest has deepened tensions in the region, where a growing mass rights movement is demanding political reforms and fair representation.
The violence erupted on Sunday in Rawalakot when police confronted supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group recently declared illegal by authorities. Officials said protesters opened fire on security forces, leading to a deadly exchange. Among the dead were four police officers and several civilians, while many others, including both officers and protesters, were wounded.
Authorities claimed that armed protesters used automatic weapons and petrol bombs, set fires, and damaged public property. Police also said that attackers surrounded a military hospital, disrupting emergency services before security forces moved in to restore order.
However, JAAC leaders strongly rejected the official version. They accused the state of using excessive force against what they described as a peaceful protest. The group claimed more people were killed than reported and called the incident a “massacre,” saying protesters were targeted during a crackdown.
The clashes came after a major court ruling that upheld 12 parliamentary seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. The JAAC has long opposed these seats, arguing they give refugees disproportionate political influence over local governance.
Despite the violence, the group has vowed to continue its protest movement. A large rally is scheduled for June 9 in Muzaffarabad, with supporters expected to gather from across the region.
In response to the crisis, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Rathore called for calm and urged protest leaders to return to dialogue. He acknowledged that concerns over refugee seats are not entirely without merit but said the issue must be resolved through peaceful negotiation.
“I urge them to step back from confrontation and come to the negotiating table,” Rathore said, promising safety and fair conditions for talks.
Still, tensions remain high. The JAAC insists it will not back down from what it calls a struggle for basic rights and constitutional justice. It has demanded the abolition of the refugee seats and broader reforms, including an end to elite privileges and changes in governance.
The region has seen repeated waves of unrest over the past two years, with protests often turning violent. Previous demonstrations linked to rising living costs and political grievances have also led to deaths and political instability.
With fresh killings and anger spreading, the situation in Kashmir appears increasingly fragile. As crowds prepare to march, the coming days may prove critical in deciding whether the movement turns toward dialogue or further confrontation.
