Explained: Why are protests raging in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and what triggered the deadly unrest?
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has witnessed weeks of violent unrest in run up to regional legislative elections, with protesters demanding electoral reforms, authorities accusing demonstrators of
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has witnessed weeks of violent unrest in run up to regional legislative elections, with protesters demanding electoral reforms, authorities accusing demonstrators of attempting to derail polling, and international rights groups calling for an independent investigation into the violence. The crisis has resulted in dozens of deaths, mass arrests, internet shutdowns and differences over what triggered the violence. What sparked the protests? The protests are being led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an umbrella group of traders, activists and political workers. According to Al Jazeera, the movement initially emerged over rising electricity tariffs and food prices but later shifted its focus to political reforms ahead of the regional elections. Its principal demand is the abolition of 12 seats reserved for refugees from Kashmir (Indian part) in the PoK legislative assembly. JAAC argues that these reserved seats allow people living outside the region to influence local politics and enable Pakistan's mainstream political parties to shape the assembly's composition. Why are the refugee seats controversial? According to Al Jazeera, PoK reserves 12 legislative seats for refugees from Kashmir (Indian part) who now live elsewhere in Pakistan. JAAC contends that these legislators have disproportionate influence despite not residing in the territory.
The dispute intensified after the region's Supreme Court ruled in June that the refugee seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment, according to the Associated Press. How did the protests turn violent? According to The Guardian, demonstrations that began in June escalated after security forces moved to disperse protest camps and authorities imposed internet restrictions and carried out arrests. The regional government subsequently banned JAAC under anti-terrorism laws. Pakistan's government, however, has presented a different account. According to AP, officials alleged that armed and masked protesters opened fire on police and security personnel deployed during the elections, prompting security forces to respond in self-defence. Authorities have also alleged that members of the Pakistani Taliban infiltrated the protests and attempted to disrupt the electoral process. JAAC has rejected the allegations that the movement is backed by militants or India. Also Read | Pak govt forced to seek path of negotiation amid PoK protests How many people have been killed? The death toll remains disputed. According to The Guardian, citing JAAC, at least 30 people were killed over two days during the latest crackdown, while around 40 people have reportedly died since the unrest began in June.
The BriefWire