Escalating Violence in Kashmir: Deadly Clashes Between JAAC Supporters and Security Forces
In a troubling escalation of tensions, recent clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including four security personnel. This violent outbreak occurred as supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) confronted security forces, officials confirmed on Monday.
The unrest erupted shortly after a significant ruling by the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The court decided that 12 legislative seats, which are reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, remain constitutionally protected. These seats, allocated to communities displaced from Indian-controlled Kashmir, cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The court’s decision was delivered ahead of a planned JAAC protest set for Tuesday.
Amidst rising tensions, the regional government had banned the JAAC, a group known for its violent demonstrations, citing public order concerns. The JAAC, established in 2023, has been advocating for increased political rights for Kashmiris and the removal of refugee seats, arguing that these seats grant refugees undue influence.
According to police reports, the casualties from Sunday’s violence included three JAAC supporters. A video emerged showing the desecration of a policeman’s body, killed during the clashes when armed members of the group allegedly opened fire on officers in Rawalakot, a city within Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The regional police indicated that JAAC supporters surrounded the Combined Military Hospital, disrupting its operations. Authorities confirmed that order was eventually restored, with hospital services resuming and major commercial activities returning to normal by Monday. Legal proceedings are underway against those responsible for the unrest, which included acts of arson and property damage.
On the same day, high-ranking officials from the government, police, and military attended the funeral prayers for the deceased security personnel. The situation in the region has been increasingly volatile, especially following the court’s response to a presidential request regarding the refugee seats and the forthcoming elections for the 45-member Legislative Assembly.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that any alteration to the refugee seats requires a constitutional amendment and cannot be achieved through executive action. It also underscored that political protests should not disrupt public order and affirmed the necessity to hold elections as per the constitutional timeline, with the current assembly’s term having ended and elections scheduled for next month.
Authorities have previously charged JAAC members with targeting police and security forces. Last year, similar unrest led to the abduction and torture of several officers. The regional government claimed to have accepted 36 out of 38 JAAC demands in past negotiations, with the remaining demands needing Legislative Assembly action due to constitutional limitations.
Kashmir remains a contentious region, divided between Pakistan and India, both of whom claim it entirely and have engaged in two wars over it since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Last year’s clashes in the area also resulted in multiple fatalities, including police officers.
