30 killed in crackdown on protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, says report

At least 30 people have allegedly been killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir over the past two days amid what activists describe as a severe crackdown by armed forces on anti-government protests, according to a report by The Guardian.

The report, citing the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), said Pakistani armed personnel opened fire on large gatherings of protesters, allegedly killing 25 people on Monday and five more on Tuesday. The protests, which began in June, have centred on demands for electoral reforms and greater political rights in the region.

JAAC has accused security agencies of using excessive force against unarmed demonstrators in Mirpur and alleged that authorities removed bodies from hospitals to conceal evidence. Local residents also claimed that several bodies disappeared after being taken to hospitals following the violence.

The Guardian noted that it could not independently verify the reported death toll because media access to the region has been restricted and an internet blackout has hampered communication with local communities. Pakistani media have also largely not reported on the protests.

The demonstrations are primarily directed against the system of reserved legislative seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in Pakistan, which protesters argue gives Islamabad disproportionate influence over the region’s politics. JAAC has denied Pakistan’s allegations that the movement is backed by India, maintaining that it is a grassroots campaign seeking political and economic rights.

Pakistani authorities have rejected allegations of involvement in the civilian deaths. Information Minister Atta Tarar has claimed that the protests are receiving “funds and instructions” from India.

The unrest follows months of tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Around 40 people were reportedly killed during earlier clashes in June, after which the government designated JAAC as a terrorist organisation and launched a widespread crackdown on its members.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to immediately restore internet and mobile services in the region and called for a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has also previously called for an investigation into the violence.