At the least 28 individuals have been killed since protests started in June, because the area braces for a significant protest march.
Revealed On 15 Jul 2026
Islamabad, Pakistan – At the least 9 individuals have been killed in clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Tuesday, as a planned protest march to the area’s capital, Muzaffarabad, briefly stalled amid rising tensions.
Safety personnel raided a home on the outskirts of Rawalakot city within the area’s Poonch district after receiving a tip-off a few weapons cache, however got here below fireplace, officers mentioned. An officer was killed.
Really useful Tales
listing of 4 gadgetsfinish of listing
In a separate conflict in Sudhnoti district, protesters blocked a safety convoy, which officers mentioned got here below a barrage of stones and gunfire. Seven protesters and a police officer have been killed, in keeping with authorities. Police officers have mentioned that safety personnel acted in self-defence.
Lethal protests have periodically rocked the area because the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Motion Committee (JAAC), a gaggle that’s main a significant protest motion, was proscribed below anti-terrorism legal guidelines on June 5.
Protesters wait in Rawalkot earlier than march on Muzaffarabad
In the meantime, protesters gathered below the JAAC’s umbrella have been nonetheless in Rawalkot on Wednesday night, regardless of asserting they might set off at 2pm on Wednesday, officers informed Al Jazeera. The federal government has severely restricted web and cellphone entry within the area, making it tougher to achieve the protesters instantly.
Munir Qureshi, deputy commissioner of Muzaffarabad, mentioned the scenario within the capital and surrounding areas was calm.
“Muzaffarabad and its adjoining areas are all clear, and there’s no disturbance to public life,” he informed Al Jazeera. “Web entry is restricted because of the safety scenario, however in any other case the scenario is regular and there’s no protest or violence.”
Liaqat Ali Malik, inspector common of police for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), informed Al Jazeera the gang in Rawalakot was estimated at between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals.
“There was no violence right this moment,” he mentioned.
However tensions proceed to simmer. The present unrest stems from a long-running dispute over political illustration.
Political dispute
On the centre of the dispute are 12 seats within the area’s legislature reserved for Kashmiri refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947 and now stay outdoors the area.
The JAAC argues the association permits Pakistan-based political events to affect the federal government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir whereas diverting improvement funds meant for the area.
Final month, the Supreme Court docket of the area dominated that the seats are constitutionally protected and can’t be abolished with out a constitutional modification, a choice that hardened the group’s protest marketing campaign.
Elections within the area are scheduled for July 27.
At least 28 people have been killed since protests started on June 4, in keeping with officers, whereas 79 have been injured.
Authorities mentioned about 4,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed throughout the area earlier than the deliberate march to Muzaffarabad.
Khan, the Poonch commissioner, mentioned marchers wouldn’t be allowed to move by means of Rawalakot and would as a substitute have to make use of mountain trails to achieve Muzaffarabad.
