Protesters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) clashed with security forces outside Rawalakot on Monday, with the group claiming at least 20 deaths and police saying one in addition to dozens of injuries on both sides.
According to AJK Police, “armed” members of the JAAC attempted to “forcefully” enter Rawalakot city in the evening as they resumed their long march to Muzaffarabad. It said law enforcement officials had attempted to convince the protesters to exercise restraint and peacefully disperse, but their appeals were rejected.
“The miscreants of the banned Awami Action Committee … not only tried to forcefully enter the city, but also opened fire on the law enforcement officials in clear violation of the law and challenging the state writ, resulting in the injury to two officials of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police,” it said.
“The state will ensure the rule of law, public order and protection of life and property of citizens at all costs. Indiscriminate action will be taken against the elements who try to take the law into their own hands, challenge the state writ or spread violence and chaos as per the law,” it warned.
In a series of posts on X, the JAAC alleged the use of “indiscriminate force” against protesters, adding at least 20 people were killed while dozens more were injured. The group vowed to continue its protest, claiming 70 people had died in clashes with security forces from June 5 till July 28. Due to limited internet functionality in AJK, these claims could not be independently verified.
The violence occurred as the first phase of polling for the AJK Legislative Assembly concluded in Mirpur Division. The second phase is set to take place on Aug. 2 in Muzaffarabad Division, while the third phase would take place in Poonch Division on Aug. 10.
The JAAC is protesting for an abolishment of 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division, while six represent those from Kashmir Valley. The government insists the abolition of the seats can only be done by the Legislative Assembly and have called for revisiting the demand after polls. They also maintain abolishing the seats outright risks damaging the disputed region’s status before the United Nations.