Cities across Pakistan-administered Kashmir came to a standstill due to a strike called by a banned civil society group. Clashes between protesters and security forces have led to multiple deaths and a government crackdown.
The events highlight ongoing tensions and human rights concerns in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with protests over electoral representation escalating into deadly clashes and a government crackdown.
Cities and towns across Pakistan-administered Kashmir were brought to a standstill on Tuesday following a strike called by the recently banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The shutdown followed deadly clashes on Sunday night in Rawalakot, where at least 11 people were killed during confrontations between security forces and protesters.
In response to the escalating situation, the regional government has ordered sedition cases against four prominent JAAC leaders and announced a bounty of 10 million Pakistani rupees ($35,951) for their arrest. The JAAC had called for the region-wide strike to protest the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the upcoming July 27 elections for Kashmir's legislative assembly, seats contested by candidates residing outside the territory.
Residents described deserted streets in the capital, Muzaffarabad, with shops, markets, and lanes completely shut. Amnesty International condemned the "violent and sweeping crackdown," citing an internet shutdown, mass arbitrary arrests, and the use of deadly force, which it stated continues an "alarming deterioration of human rights in the region."