At least 30 people are alleged to have been killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir over a two-day span amid a severe state crackdown, according to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Security services reportedly fired on tens of thousands of peaceful protesters, resulting in 25 deaths on Monday and five more on Tuesday, as a communications blackout cut the disputed region off from the rest of Pakistan.
The latest violence follows months of unrest that began in June, driven by local opposition to a system of reserved seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. According to JAAC spokesperson SA Khan, security agencies fired on unarmed protesters in Mirpur on Tuesday before removing bodies from the scene. “Security forces have taken away the dead bodies and locked away the hospital in Mirpur,” Khan stated, adding that video and photographic evidence shows bodies lying in streets. A local resident in Mirpur, speaking anonymously due to fear of retribution, confirmed that bodies shifted to the hospital subsequently went missing as shops closed following the violence.
Did You Know? The protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir initially began in June to call for the abolition of 12 reserved seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, which local groups argue give outsiders too much control over regional politics.
Communications Blackout Hinders Independent Verification
Independent verification of the death toll remains unavailable due to an ongoing internet and mobile services blackout and restrictions preventing media access to the area, according to reporting. Pakistani media have largely ignored the protests and alleged killings. Meanwhile, Amnesty International called on Tuesday for Pakistani authorities to lift the communications blackout immediately. Isabelle Lassée, Amnesty International’s action regional director for south Asia, noted that the reports from Rawalakot align with a history of unlawful violence against protesters in the region and urged a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation.
Pakistani authorities have rejected accusations of state involvement in civilian deaths. During a press weekend conference, Information Minister Atta Tarar alleged that the protests were receiving funds and instructions from India. JAAC spokesperson Khan rejected those allegations, stating that people asking for political or economic rights are routinely labeled as anti-state or India-sponsored.
Expert Insight: The ongoing communications blackout serves as a primary barrier to establishing a verified casualty count, leaving international human rights organizations reliant on local civil society groups while state officials trade accusations of external interference.
Political Demands and Regional Fallout
The protests led by JAAC have spanned a year, focusing on political and economic rights and electoral reforms in the heavily militarized region. Monday marked the first phase of an election heavily disputed by local groups. Previous unrest in June resulted in roughly 40 reported deaths and the local government proscribing JAAC as a terrorist organization, while launching mass arrests of political workers. United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk previously called for an investigation into that violence, signaling sustained international scrutiny over the state’s handling of regional dissent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the latest protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?
The protests were organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to demand electoral reforms, political rights, and economic rights, coinciding with the first phase of an election disputed over reserved seats.
How have Pakistani authorities responded to the demonstrations?
Pakistani authorities have rejected allegations of state involvement, with Information Minister Atta Tarar claiming the protests received funds and instructions from India. The state has also imposed a severe internet and communication blackout and carried out mass arrests.
What is the position of international human rights organizations?
Amnesty International has called for Pakistani authorities to lift the communications blackout and permit media and independent observers into the area, following a prior call by UN rights chief Volker Türk for an investigation into earlier violence.
How will the restoration of communications impact the ability to verify events on the ground in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?
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