Pakistani Forces Suppress Kashmir Protest Amid Fatalities Claims

Pakistani security forces dispersed a protest in Pakistani-administered Kashmir early Sunday morning, an operation the organizing Awami Joint Action Committee (JAAC) claims resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. The JAAC contested the official account, stating on X that "two people have died so far during the operation to disperse the sit-in this morning, while several others are injured."

Rawalakot police control official Adeel Ahmed described the event as a "repressive operation" that dispersed the crowd without fatalities, though he acknowledged one activist was injured. Ahmed stated that protesters allegedly opened fire on security forces, hitting officers and an armored vehicle, but police maintained their composure and did not fire back. The JAAC, however, reported intense tear gas shelling that made the area difficult to breathe in, adding that mobile phone towers were down and internet access cut off since June 5, exacerbating shortages of basic food items amid an eight-day blockade.

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The police and security forces carried out a repressive operation early this Sunday morning, after which the crowd dispersed.

This latest intervention follows large gatherings in Rawalakot after deadly clashes last Monday outside the Combined Military Hospital (CMH). The JAAC, which began last year as a civil platform against the rising cost of living, is now demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the regional legislative assembly. These seats are reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir who settled in Pakistan after 1947. The JAAC alleges that Islamabad systematically uses these seats to manipulate majorities and control the local government.

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At the Dreak Eidgah site, two people have died so far during the operation to disperse the sit-in this morning, while several others are injured.