New Delhi: At least 20 people were reportedly killed and dozens injured after violence erupted during the first phase of legislative elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), triggering fresh concerns over the deteriorating security and human rights situation in the region. The clashes occurred in Dreik Eidgah and surrounding areas of Rawalakot, where security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters attempting to march despite an extensive security deployment.
According to reports, thousands of demonstrators associated with the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) gathered to protest during the elections. Security personnel, including local police, Punjab Rangers and the Pakistani military, reportedly responded with live ammunition, tear gas and sniper fire to disperse the crowds. Protesters claimed that bodies were left lying on the streets while communication networks were disrupted, with electricity and mobile phone services cut in several areas. Internet services have reportedly remained suspended across much of the region since early June.
The JKJAAC stated that among those killed was Usman Nazir, brother of committee leader Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri, along with several residents from Kotli, Hajira and neighbouring towns. The organisation has vowed to continue its agitation despite the crackdown, asserting that it is fighting for the political and economic rights of the people of the region.
The latest unrest comes against the backdrop of weeks of protests that began in early June after Pakistani authorities banned the JKJAAC under anti-terrorism laws. Public anger intensified after Pakistan’s Supreme Court reserved 12 of the 45 seats in the PoJK Legislative Assembly for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir and their descendants living in Pakistan. The JKJAAC, which includes traders, lawyers, activists and civil society groups, has argued that the move significantly reduces the political representation of the region’s estimated four to five million residents.
Apart from political grievances, economic distress has also fuelled public resentment. Protesters have repeatedly highlighted soaring electricity bills, rising inflation, unemployment and what they describe as the continued economic exploitation of the region by Islamabad. Similar demonstrations over these issues have taken place periodically between 2023 and 2025, reflecting long-standing dissatisfaction among sections of the local population.
The violence also drew sharp criticism from Pakistani political figures. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman described the Rawalakot firing as “open terrorism” carried out against unarmed civilians seeking their rights. He criticised the Pakistani authorities for failing to resolve public grievances before the situation spiralled into bloodshed.
Reacting to the developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated New Delhi’s long-standing position on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. During his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas under Pakistan’s “illegal and forcible occupation”, are integral and inalienable parts of India.
Jaiswal said that India’s position on the matter has remained “clear, consistent and well known.” He further asserted that the ongoing protests in PoJK are the direct consequence of Pakistan’s economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression of the local population.
Responding to comments by some Pakistani commentators linking the Indus Valley Civilisation to contemporary political narratives surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty, Jaiswal dismissed such claims. He said that a country promoting cross-border terrorism, religious extremism and violence for decades cannot credibly claim ownership of a pluralistic cultural legacy. He also pointed to Pakistan’s record on the protection of minorities and cultural rights, describing such assertions as lacking credibility.
The violence during the elections has once again brought international attention to the volatile situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. While polling continues under heavy security, the killings and widespread unrest have intensified scrutiny of Pakistan’s handling of the region.
