Pakistan administered Kashmir officials allege outlawed group tried to sabotage regional election

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have accused an outlawed political group, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), of attempting to sabotage regional assembly elections. These accusations follow clashes with security forces that resulted in the death of one paramilitary officer and injuries to several others. Authorities also allege that militants from the Pakistani Taliban have infiltrated ongoing protests, which have overshadowed the phased elections that began on Monday and will continue through August 10th. The government stated that armed militants have joined the demonstrations, posing a threat to public order, and announced plans to restore order for a peaceful vote. The JAAC, banned recently due to concerns over public order, demands greater political rights and the abolition of refugee seats in the assembly.

A local civil society group, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), alleges that Pakistani security services fatally shot at least 30 unarmed protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir over two days. The protests, which began in June and intensified recently, are demanding electoral reform and political and economic rights. JAAC claims authorities removed evidence of the killings amid a communications blackout, including an internet shutdown, imposed by the state. Pakistani authorities have rejected these accusations, alleging the protests are funded and instructed by India, a claim JAAC denies. Amnesty International has called for the lifting of the communications blackout and an investigation into the use of force.