Key facts
- At least 40 people have died in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the run-up to legislative elections.
- Of the deceased, 34 were protesters and six were security personnel.
- Protests are driven by the reservation of 12 legislative seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir.
- The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is leading the protests and has been banned by the government.
- Campaigning has been muted due to fear of violence and government crackdown.
- The UN Human Rights chief has called for investigations into the deaths and criticized restrictions on assembly.
At least 40 people, predominantly protesters, have died in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the lead-up to legislative elections, amid a crackdown on demonstrations against the reservation of seats for refugees. The violence has cast a shadow over the electoral process, with campaigning becoming muted and international bodies calling for investigations.
The controversy centers on the reservation of 12 seats in the 53-member legislature for individuals displaced from Indian-administered Kashmir decades ago. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an alliance of activist groups, argues these reservations undermine local representation and should be abolished. In response, authorities have banned JAAC under anti-terrorism laws and initiated a crackdown, leading to clashes with security forces and significant casualties, including 34 protesters and six security personnel.
The tense atmosphere has made campaigning difficult, with candidates opting for private meetings instead of public rallies. Candidates' vehicles and property have been targeted, and many residents are hesitant to express political views for fear of being labeled traitors or facing harassment. The region has also experienced a 40-day outage of mobile phone and internet services, which the UN Human Rights chief described as potentially amounting to collective punishment.
International concern has been voiced, with UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk urging prompt and impartial investigations into all deaths and criticizing the criminalization of civil society organizations. India has blamed Pakistan for systemic exploitation and denial of fundamental rights. Pakistan's People's Party chairman, Bilawal Bhutto, has called for a truth and reconciliation commission, suggesting fault lies with both the JAAC and the government.