Protest in Pakistan’s Kashmir stalls after nine killed in clashes

Tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir escalated sharply on Tuesday when security forces and protesters clashed in two separate incidents, resulting in nine deaths. In Rawalakot's Poonch district, security personnel conducting a raid on a suspected weapons cache came under fire, killing one officer. A second clash in Sudhnoti district saw protesters block a security convoy, leading to an exchange of stones and gunfire that left seven protesters and one police officer dead. Authorities stated security personnel acted in self-defence.

The unrest stems from a long-standing dispute over 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which leads the protest movement, argues this arrangement allows Pakistan-based political parties to influence the regional government while diverting development funds. The group was banned under anti-terrorism laws on June 5, triggering the deadly protests.

A planned march to Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, temporarily stalled as protesters remained in Rawalakot on Wednesday evening despite announcing their departure. The government has severely restricted internet and phone access throughout the region. Deputy Commissioner Munir Qureshi reported the capital remained calm with no disturbances to public life. Police Inspector General Liaqat Ali Malik estimated the crowd in Rawalakot at between 3,000 and 4,000 people.

The death toll since protests began on June 4 has reached at least 28, with 79 injured. Authorities deployed approximately 4,000 police and paramilitary personnel across the region ahead of the planned march. A regional Supreme Court ruling in July determined the contested legislative seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without constitutional amendment, hardening the JAAC's protest campaign.