Protests during regional elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) have turned deadly, with reports saying more than 75 people had been killed around one town in clashes with security forces ahead of the second round.
Witnesses and activists say the violence erupted in multiple cities, including Rawalakot and Mirpur, where Pakistani troops opened fire on demonstrators rallying against soaring inflation, exorbitant electricity bills, and alleged electoral manipulation. Local hospitals have reported receiving dozens of bodies, with many victims suffering gunshot wounds to the chest and head.
The protests, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKAAC), began earlier this month to challenge the disputed allocation of legislative seats and what activists call the “imposition” of a preferred prime minister by Islamabad. The movement rapidly escalated into a region-wide uprising.
Social media accounts linked to JAAC have accused security forces of using “indiscriminate firing” and even artillery shells against peaceful crowds. The group has appealed to the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and democratic governments to urgently intervene.
“We are facing a genocide in broad daylight,” a JAAC spokesperson said in a video statement. “Women and children are being shot at point-blank range. The world cannot remain silent.”
In tandem with the military operations, authorities have imposed curfew-like restrictions across the region. Internet and telecommunication services have been severely disrupted, making it difficult for journalists and independent observers to verify the ground situation. The communication blackout has further heightened fears of an escalating death toll.
Jeremy Laurence, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed grave concern over Islamabad’s actions. In an official statement, he criticized Pakistan’s decision to criminalize a civil society organization (JAAC) and impose strict limitations on public gatherings.
“These measures raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” Laurence stated. He called on Pakistani authorities to exercise maximum restraint and conduct a “prompt, thorough, and impartial” investigation into all reported deaths.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif defended the crackdown, labeling the protesters as “enemies” acting in the interest of India. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Talal Chaudhary denied that civilians were killed, claiming that armed militants belonging to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had infiltrated the demonstrations.
However, these assertions have been met with skepticism by international observers, given the widespread video documentation of unarmed civilians being fired upon.
India has strongly condemned the violence, reiterating that PoJK remains an integral part of Indian territory and accusing Pakistan of human rights abuses.
In the United Kingdom, more than 50 parliamentarians have signed a joint letter to the Foreign Secretary, demanding that London formally raise the issue at the UN Security Council. Amnesty International has also called for an independent war crimes investigation into the use of lethal force.
