Pakistan-administered Kashmir protests stall after deadly clashes leave nine more dead

Pakistan-administered Kashmir protests stall after deadly clashes leave nine more dead
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A planned protest march in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been delayed following violent clashes that killed at least nine people, bringing the death toll from weeks of unrest to 28, as tensions continue to rise in the region.

The latest violence occurred on Tuesday when security forces raided a house near Rawalakot in Poonch district following reports of a suspected weapons cache. Officials said the forces came under fire during the operation, resulting in the death of a security officer.

In a separate incident in Sudhnoti district, authorities said protesters blocked a security convoy and clashes broke out involving stone-throwing and gunfire. Seven protesters and one police officer were killed, with police stating that security personnel acted in self-defence.

The unrest has been ongoing since June 4, following tensions between authorities and the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is leading the protest movement. The group was declared a prohibited organization under anti-terrorism laws on June 5.

Despite plans to march toward Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, thousands of protesters remained gathered in Rawalakot. Authorities estimated the crowd at between 3,000 and 4,000 people, while security measures, including restrictions on internet and phone services, remained in place.

The protests are linked to a dispute over political representation, particularly 12 reserved legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947. The JAAC argues that these seats allow external political parties to influence regional affairs and divert development resources. A recent regional Supreme Court ruling that protected the seats further intensified the dispute.

Authorities have deployed around 4,000 police and paramilitary personnel ahead of the planned march. Officials said elections in the region are scheduled for July 27, while at least 79 people have been injured since the protests began.