At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured after violent clashes erupted between police and supporters of a banned political group in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
The violence broke out on Sunday, a day before a planned protest by the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been campaigning for greater political rights and legislative reforms in the region.
According to Al Jazeera, the unrest followed a ruling by the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir that upheld 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. The court held that the seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment.
The decision came ahead of a major rally called by the JAAC, which has long opposed the refugee seats, arguing that they grant disproportionate political influence to non-residents.
Officials said the clashes resulted in multiple casualties among both protesters and security personnel. Quoting regional authorities, Al Jazeera reported that four police officers and a civilian passer-by were killed after protesters allegedly opened fire on security forces. Authorities said six protesters were subsequently killed during the security response.
Police Chief Liaqat Malik said that 23 security personnel and around 50 protesters were injured in the violence. He added that 30 individuals had been arrested.
According to police, armed JAAC supporters attacked government forces in Rawalakot and later surrounded the Combined Military Hospital, disrupting medical services. Authorities accused protesters of arson and damaging public and private property before security forces dispersed the crowds and restored order.
However, JAAC leaders rejected the government’s account. In a video message cited by Al Jazeera, JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir accused the authorities of carrying out a “massacre” in Rawalakot and vowed that supporters would continue with the planned protest movement.
The regional government had on Friday declared the JAAC a proscribed organisation under anti-terror legislation and advised tourists to leave the region ahead of the scheduled demonstrations.
The JAAC has led several protests in recent years over rising electricity and flour prices, with some demonstrations turning violent and resulting in casualties during crackdowns by security forces.
Officials maintained that Sunday’s action was aimed at restoring law and order, while JAAC leaders accused the government of suppressing dissent.
