Protesters claim 20 dead in Kashmir clashes; authorities confirm five

Protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have resulted in a stark discrepancy between casualty figures reported by a civil movement and regional authorities. The Awami Joint Action Committee (JAAC), a banned civil movement leading the demonstrations, claims that 20 protesters were killed in clashes with security forces on Monday night near Rawalakot.

However, regional authorities have confirmed a lower death toll, with the spokesperson for the region's Interior Ministry, Shahid Hussain, stating that five people died during the confrontations. Hussain acknowledged that "when force is used at this level, there may be 20 deaths," but maintained that authorities had confirmation of only five fatalities. The clashes erupted as protesters attempted to advance towards Muzaffarabad, the regional capital.

The JAAC alleged that the march was suppressed using tear gas and "direct shots" by security forces. The movement posted on social media platform X that the identities of 19 deceased had been confirmed, with one individual lacking identification and having sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The body was reportedly at Palandri Hospital. Among the confirmed dead was Usman Nazir, the brother of a prominent JAAC member.

EFE has been unable to independently verify the reported death toll or the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Official figures indicate 20 deaths since protests began in early June, while the JAAC claims the number is as high as 70. The core demand of the JAAC is the abolition of 12 seats in the Legislative Assembly that are reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir, who settled in Pakistan after the 1947 partition. The movement argues that Islamabad uses these seats to influence local government formation, a claim contested by authorities who state their elimination would require a constitutional amendment.