ISLAMABAD (AP) — Authorities in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir detained dozens of activists on Saturday from a prohibited organization that has organized violent demonstrations in recent years demanding better services and expanded rights, according to officials and eyewitnesses.
The detentions occurred one day following the regional administration’s decision in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, to prohibit the Joint Awami Action Committee due to public safety and security worries.
The prohibition followed several weeks of disputes between authorities and the organization regarding a 38-point list of demands, which included requests for subsidized wheat and electricity. Officials stated that 36 of these demands were approved last year following discussions between JAAC representatives, regional authorities and Pakistan’s federal administration.
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, the prime minister of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, has stated both prior to and following the prohibition that he continues to be open to meeting with JAAC representatives to address the two outstanding demands.
JAAC has declined to cancel a demonstration march scheduled for Tuesday, continuing to demand all of its requests be met, the regional administration reported.
According to Rathore, one of the two unresolved matters involves 12 seats designated for Kashmiri refugees in the legislative assembly.
Officials have enhanced security measures before the scheduled demonstration throughout the Himalayan territory, which is split between Pakistan and India with both nations claiming complete control. The nuclear-capable countries have engaged in two of their three conflicts over Kashmir since achieving independence from British control in 1947.
Last year, confrontations between the Kashmiri organization’s supporters and security personnel resulted in multiple deaths, including police officers.
On Saturday, the organization alleged that two of its members were injured when police fired upon them. Kashmir police rejected the claim, stating that armed individuals fired on officers overnight after being instructed to halt their vehicle.
