PoK Sees Violent Clashes Ahead Of JAAC Protest; 11 Including 4 Policemen Killed, Over 70 Injured

At least 11 died, while over 70 others were injured when clashes broke out between the police and members of the now-banned protest organisation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday. Reports of clashes and violence were largely concentrated in Rawalakot, where tensions simmered in the wake of the violence, reports AFP.

Sardar Waheed, Commissioner Rawalakot, said that the violence saw the deaths of 3 civilians and serious injuries of approximately 40 people. In a later statement, police sources revealed that the fatalities had been among four officers, while over two dozen officers were wounded in their bid to control the situation.

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Ban Imposed Ahead Of Proposed Protest

The clashes come just days ahead of a call for protest by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an organisation recently banned by the administration, claiming its actions were an "enmity" toward public order and safety.

The organisation has recently been responsible for numerous protest calls. Protests and counterprotests associated with the group turned violent last year and claimed multiple lives. JAAC is campaigning for a 38-point charter to be met, which includes subsidised electricity, flour and removal of the 12 reserved seats in the region's assembly designated for Kashmiris.

Why Are People Protesting?

The proposed protest on Tuesday was triggered by events such as the death of a senior JAAC official killed during a security operation, internet suspension and the ban order placed upon the organisation.

Residents also continue to protest against long-standing grievances such as the chronic shortage of electricity, inflation, unemployment, alleged exploitation of resources and the perception of political neglect in the region.

Critics also question the validity of the 12 refugee seats in the assembly, which some fear allows Islamabad control over political decisions in the region.

In the wake of the intensifying unrest, telecommunication and internet services have been suspended throughout PoK. The security forces have also been bolstered by additional deployments from the Pakistan Federal Police and Pakistan Rangers, especially in the Muzaffarabad region.

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Travel advisory issued

In response to the evolving security situation, the US embassy in Islamabad has advised its citizens in the region to stay alert and avoid large crowds.

Local authorities have issued a travel advisory warning tourists from visiting the region from June 5 to 20.

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