Major cities in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, were largely paralyzed after clashes between protesters and security forces on the eve of a general strike. Streets remained almost deserted on Tuesday, with a heavy police presence in many areas.
These tensions follow a mobilization launched by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an alliance of civil society groups recently banned by the authorities. The organization had called for a regional strike to protest certain electoral decisions, including the reservation of seats for refugees.
According to authorities and local sources, violence left at least 11 people dead Sunday night in the city of Rawalakot during clashes between protesters and security forces. These incidents prompted an immediate escalation of the response from regional authorities.
The government has announced the opening of sedition investigations targeting several JAAC officials. An official notification seen by Reuters indicates that charges have been filed against four figures in the organization, while the group was banned a few days earlier.
Authorities have also offered a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees, or approximately $36,000, for information leading to the arrest of these officials. This measure is part of a broader crackdown aimed at containing the protests.
The conflict centers in particular on the contesting of 12 seats reserved for refugees in the Kashmir legislative assembly, whose election is scheduled for July 27. These seats can be contested by candidates living outside the region, a decision denounced by the strike organizers.
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