At least 30 people are alleged to have been killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in the past two days as part of what has been claimed is a brutal state crackdown. Local civil rights group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claims Pakistani security services fired on tens of thousands of peaceful protesters, leading to numerous casualties. The violence has escalated amid reports of a communications blackout and efforts by authorities to remove evidence of the killings.
Security forces reportedly clashed with demonstrators in Rawalakot, resulting in at least 14 deaths as supporters of a banned civil rights group attempted to march toward the regional capital. The situation has raised concerns over the safety of voters ahead of regional elections, with protests turning deadly and security forces facing heightened tensions.
Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have accused an outlawed political group of attempting to sabotage elections, while also alleging that militants from the Pakistani Taliban infiltrated the protests. Meanwhile, the AJK Information Secretary stated that a significant number of terrorists from the Fitna Al Khawarij group were present among the protesters.
