Unrest intensifies after court ruling upholds reserved Assembly seats for refugees living in Pakistan
At least seven people were killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as demonstrations against the reservation of Assembly seats for refugees living in Pakistan intensified ahead of a planned protest rally.
According to officials, the clashes broke out in Rawalakot as security forces confronted members of the banned Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed said three civilians were killed and around 40 others injured during the violence.
Police separately stated that four security personnel lost their lives and 23 officers were injured while attempting to control the situation.
The casualties have made the latest unrest one of the deadliest episodes linked to the movement in recent years.
Protest movement opposes refugee seat reservations
The controversy centres on 12 reserved Assembly seats allocated to refugees from Jammu and Kashmir who settled in Pakistan following the Partition.
The reservations include six seats for refugees from the Jammu region and six for those from the Kashmir region.
Critics of the arrangement argue that individuals living outside PoK continue to exert political influence over the region through these seats. Protest leaders have claimed the system allows Islamabad to maintain disproportionate control over local politics.
The JAAC has been at the forefront of the campaign seeking the abolition of the reserved seats and broader political reforms.
Planned demonstrations add to tensions
The clashes occurred a day before a major protest planned by the JAAC, which was recently declared a banned organisation by authorities over allegations that it posed a threat to public order and security.
The group has announced demonstrations to protest several issues, including the ban imposed on it, alleged political marginalisation, internet restrictions, unemployment, inflation, electricity shortages and the killing of one of its leaders during earlier confrontations with security forces.
Authorities have expressed concerns that further unrest could follow during the planned demonstrations.
Security tightened across PoK
In anticipation of additional protests, authorities have increased security deployments across the region.
Reports indicate that telecom and internet services have been suspended in several areas, while additional contingents of Pakistan Federal Police and Pakistan Rangers have been deployed in Muzaffarabad and other sensitive locations.
Local authorities have also issued travel advisories discouraging tourism in the region between June 5 and June 20.
The United States Embassy in Islamabad has advised American citizens in PoK to exercise caution and monitor developments closely.
Debate over refugee representation continues
The reserved seats have long been a subject of political debate in PoK.
Supporters of the system argue that refugees who migrated during the Partition continue to have legitimate historical and political ties to Jammu and Kashmir and should retain representation.
Opponents contend that residents living outside the territory should not influence local governance and decision-making in PoK.
With tensions continuing to rise and protests expected to intensify, authorities remain on high alert across the region.
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