Key facts
- At least 30 people are alleged to have been killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the past two days.
- A local civil society group, Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), claims Pakistani security services fired on peaceful protesters.
- JAAC alleges 25 people were killed on Monday and five more on Tuesday.
- Protests have been ongoing since June, demanding electoral reform and political/economic rights.
- Pakistani authorities have imposed a severe communication shutdown, including an internet blackout.
- Pakistani authorities deny involvement and allege India is funding the protests.
At least 30 people have allegedly been killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir over the past two days amid a severe crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a local civil society group, claims security services fired on tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators, resulting in 25 deaths on Monday and five on Tuesday.
Protests have been ongoing in the region since June, with demonstrators demanding electoral reform and greater political and economic rights. The government has responded with a severe communication shutdown, including an internet blackout, and mass arrests. JAAC spokesperson SA Khan accused Pakistani security agencies of firing on unarmed protesters and attempting to erase evidence by removing bodies.
Amnesty International has called for Pakistani authorities to lift the communications blackout and for a prompt, independent investigation into the use of force against protesters. The UN rights chief had previously called for an investigation into deadly violence that erupted in June.
Pakistani authorities have rejected the accusations, with Information Minister Atta Tarar alleging that the protests are receiving funds and instructions from India. JAAC spokesperson Khan dismissed these claims, stating that demands for rights are often labeled as India-sponsored in Pakistan.