Kochi: The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is witnessing unrest which has claimed 11 lives, including for cops, following a ban on Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), media reports said.
JAAC, a civil society alliance, is up in arms demanding cancellation of a decision to reserve seats in the 45-member legislative assembly for refugees who reside elsewhere in Pakistan. The region will have elections on July 27.
The JAAC also raised concerns about inflation, electricity shortages, unemployment, internet restrictions among other issues.
At least 73, including 23 security personnel, were injured during clashes between protesters and security forces in Rawalakot ahead of a region-wide shutdown planned for June 9, India Today quoting Reuters said.
JAAC was banned by the regional administration last week under anti-terrorism legislation. Several people have been arrested.
JAAC has decided to intensify the agitation. The state has begun a massacre of our people in Rawalakot,” JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir said in a video message on X.
Mobile data services have been disrupted in several areas, large gatherings have been restricted and the JAAC’s central office has reportedly been sealed.
The worsening security situation has also prompted travel advisories from countries including the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.
Photo: X
Unrest in PoK
