Islamabad—A banned group at the center of deadly unrest in Azad Kashmir claimed Wednesday that at least 31 supporters were killed in a security crackdown, while federal and regional authorities countered that the group carried out violent attacks during elections for the region’s constitutional assembly.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) increased its reported fatality count from 25 to 31 a day later, as clashes overshadowed the first phase of legislative elections in the Himalayan territory disputed by India and Pakistan.
Pakistani authorities, however, stated that two security personnel were killed during the violence.
The JAAC gained prominence last year over grievances including electricity tariffs, governance, and economic rights. More recently, it has concentrated its campaign on 12 seats in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly designated for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, arguing that this arrangement allows Pakistan-based parties to influence regional governance. Authorities maintain that these seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment.
In a video statement from Rawalakot, JAAC core committee member Sardar Umar Nazir alleged that Pakistani security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators during the group’s march toward Muzaffarabad, killing approximately 20 supporters on Monday and wounding over 400.
Nazir also claimed that at least 11 more protesters were killed on Tuesday in separate incidents across Rawalakot, Mirpur, and surrounding areas, bringing the movement’s total reported death toll to 31.
“Our demands were entirely peaceful, and we tried to remain non-violent, yet we were met with gunfire,” Nazir said.
“We have no struggle against any government or institution, including Pakistan. Our struggle is solely for fundamental rights.”
He affirmed that the movement would continue despite the ongoing crackdown.
“No matter how much oppression or tyranny you impose, we will continue our march,” Nazir said.
The weeks-old protest encampment has overshadowed the election, with residents reporting low voter turnout during Monday’s first phase, when polling took place for several assembly seats in the city of Mirpur.
Voting began Monday and is being held in phases through Aug. 10.
“RIOTERS, NOT PROTESTERS”
Nazir’s statement was released hours after Pakistan’s federal government defended the Azad Kashmir administration’s handling of the unrest, declaring that those involved would no longer be treated as protesters.
“This is no longer a protest movement. We will handle this accordingly,” Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said in televised remarks Tuesday night.
“They will not be considered protesters; they will be considered rioters. The state will apply its full legal authority against them.”
Chaudhry alleged that authorities had recovered automatic weapons, including M4 rifles, Kalashnikovs, and sniper rifles, from those arrested, alleging that one suspect had recently arrived from abroad and was a trained marksman. He provided no evidence to support these claims.
Speaking alongside Chaudhry, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that the government believed the violence vindicated its decision to ban the JAAC, accusing the group of attempting to disrupt what he described as a peaceful election.
“From the outset, we have been saying that this is not a peaceful protest,” Tarar said. “This is an extremist group, and these are militants.”
He also alleged, without providing evidence, that the group was operating under a foreign agenda and receiving funding from neighboring India.
Police told Arab News on Tuesday that JAAC supporters had attempted to march into Rawalakot despite repeated warnings to disperse and opened fire on security personnel. They stated that the demonstrators attacked a security post, torched police and military vehicles, and attempted to disrupt the electoral process after the first phase of the election had concluded.
The JAAC has rejected these allegations.
The regional government banned the JAAC last month under anti-terrorism laws, accusing it of involvement in violent activities. The group denies these charges.