Nine killed in fresh Azad Kashmir clashes as authorities launch security operation

Officials reported that at least nine people, including two security personnel, died in clashes on Tuesday between security forces and backers of the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Kashmir, as authorities initiated security operations before a scheduled protest march by the civil rights group concerning disputed electoral arrangements.

The Joint Awami Action Committee was initially formed to address issues including electricity prices and governance but has increasingly focused on the refugee-seat dispute.

The violence broke out a day before a JAAC-called march on Muzaffarabad, intensifying a weeks-long standoff over 12 reserved seats in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The group contends the arrangement allows Pakistan-based parties to sway government formation in the region, while authorities maintain the seats are constitutionally protected.

JAAC, which initially emerged to campaign on issues including electricity prices, governance and economic rights, has increasingly focused on the refugee-seat dispute. The regional government banned the group last month under anti-terrorism laws, accusing it of involvement in violent activities, allegations JAAC denies.

“Today, early in the morning, near the Matyal Mira Bus Terminal in Rawalakot, armed groups of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee opened fire in a civilian area,” Azad Kashmir Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain told a news conference.

“As soon as the firing took place, police moved forward to restore law and order. The armed groups then targeted police personnel with automatic weapons and locally made explosives.”

Hussain said Rangers deployed to assist police also came under attack and that authorities had launched clearance operations in Rawalakot and nearby areas to restore order.

He said one Ranger was killed and another law enforcement official injured in the Rawalakot clashes. He also accused JAAC of using homemade explosives and alleged the group was planning to use women and students as “human shields” during future protests. JAAC has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.

Separately, Poonch Divisional Commissioner Waheed Khan told Reuters six protesters and one police officer were killed in Tararkhal after protesters blocked a security convoy and attacked officials. He said another protester and a security official died in the separate clash in Rawalakot.

The dispute over refugee seats escalated after the Election Commission announced legislative elections for July 27. Last month, the Azad Kashmir Supreme Court ruled that the seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment, which prompted JAAC to further intensify its protests.

Around 30 people have been killed in the unrest since June, according to local estimates cited by Reuters.

Despite the violence, the Azad Kashmir government has said elections will proceed as scheduled, while JAAC has vowed to continue its protest campaign, including a march planned for Wednesday.

The refugee-seat dispute has intensified since the Election Commission announced elections for July 27. The Azad Kashmir Supreme Court ruled the seats are constitutionally protected, leading JAAC to intensify protests. The group, which was banned last month, denies allegations of involvement in violent activities.