New Delhi:- Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir demanding changes in the electoral system have now turned into violent clashes. Clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported at various places, resulting in seven deaths and a large number of injuries.
According to local officials, clashes took place at several places between supporters of the agitating organization, the Joint Army Action Committee, and the police. Officials said that the dead included both civilians and police personnel, while the number of injured is estimated to be over 60.
According to Pakistani media reports, the regional government has declared the Joint Army Action Committee a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws. Despite this, the organization has announced its intention to continue the protests and has called for a region-wide strike and shutdown on June 9.
The clashes left both civilians and policemen dead, and several policemen injured, officials in Rawalpindi told AFP. According to a report in the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, police claimed that security forces were attacked with weapons. The administration described the incident as a serious security challenge and reiterated its resolve to maintain law and order. According to officials, more than 70 people associated with the JAAC were detained over the weekend. The clashes have emerged against the backdrop of long-standing political and administrative unrest in the region. The JAAC and other groups are demanding changes in the regional governance system and greater autonomy. The latest protests are said to be focused on the 12 seats in the regional assembly reserved for refugees of Jammu and Kashmir origin who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947. Protesters allege that mainstream Pakistani parties use these seats to influence the regional balance of power. Meanwhile, the government and pro-government parties describe this arrangement as a means of ensuring representation. In view of the situation, security has been tightened, and the administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace.