Nine killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir clashes

Nine people were killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Tuesday during clashes between security forces and supporters of a banned protest group. The violence erupted ahead of a planned march by the group against controversial electoral arrangements for regional elections later this month.

Poonch Divisional Commissioner Waheed Khan stated that protesters blocked a security convoy and attacked officials in the Poonch sector, leading to security forces responding in self-defense. Six protesters and one police officer died in Tararkhal, while another protester and a security official were killed in Rawalakot.

The dispute centers on 12 seats reserved in the regional assembly for refugees living elsewhere in Pakistan, a system protesters argue dilutes local representation. The Joint Action Committee (JAAC), which was banned in June under anti-terror laws, had called for a march on Rawalakot for Wednesday. Security forces were reportedly prepared to prevent marchers from entering the city.

Local estimates suggest that approximately 30 people have been killed in the unrest since June.