DID Press: At least 15 people have been killed in escalating clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, amid widening unrest over electoral laws and political representation.
Authorities said the violence erupted after renewed demonstrations organized by the political group known as the “People’s Action Committee” (ACC), which called for a nationwide strike and mass protests demanding changes to the region’s electoral system.
Security forces deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel across Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas, effectively placing the region under a heightened security lockdown.
Tensions have escalated sharply with less than two months remaining before legislative elections in the region, which have now become a major political flashpoint for the Pakistani government.
Protesters are demanding the abolition of 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees and the introduction of an electoral system based on the resident population, arguing that current arrangements amount to political manipulation.
Pakistani authorities, however, have accused protest leaders of incitement and subversion, and have reportedly placed the group on a banned organizations list.