ISLAMABAD (AP) — Deadly violence between security forces and members of a prohibited political organization in Pakistan-administered Kashmir resulted in seven fatalities, including four security personnel, according to officials who spoke Monday. The bloodshed happened just one day ahead of a scheduled demonstration concerning political representation and legislative rights.
The fighting that broke out Sunday left dozens of additional people injured, including both law enforcement officers and civilians. The violence followed a ruling by the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir declaring that 12 legislative positions designated for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan have constitutional protection and cannot be eliminated without amending the constitution.
This significant court decision preceded a demonstration scheduled for Tuesday by the prohibited Joint Awami Action Committee, known as JAAC. The organization has consistently called for expanded political representation for regional residents and elimination of the refugee positions, arguing that refugees wield excessive political power. The group has staged major demonstrations in recent years, with some becoming violent.
Law enforcement reported that the casualties included four security personnel and three JAAC supporters.
Regional police stated that armed members of the organization fired upon security forces in Rawalakot, a municipality in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and subsequently encircled the Combined Military Hospital, interfering with medical operations. Officials said security forces ultimately scattered the crowd and reestablished control.
Authorities accused demonstrators of starting fires and destroying both government and private facilities.
Officials reported that standard hospital functions had returned and that primary roadways, shopping areas and business districts were operating normally by Monday. Authorities indicated that legal proceedings were in progress against those participating in the disturbances.
Regional tensions have been mounting for weeks but intensified following the court’s decision issued in response to a presidential inquiry requesting constitutional guidance regarding the refugee positions and forthcoming elections for the 45-member Legislative Assembly.
In Sunday’s decision, the court determined that the 12 refugee positions could not be eliminated through administrative action and that modifications would require a constitutional amendment by the Legislative Assembly. The court additionally stated that public safety could not be compromised under the pretense of political demonstration and that elections must occur within constitutionally mandated timeframes.
The present assembly has finished its term, with elections set for next month.
Regional authorities recently prohibited the JAAC, referencing public safety concerns, and law enforcement detained numerous supporters last week. The disputed refugee positions are designated for individuals who relocated to Pakistan from Indian-controlled Kashmir decades earlier and are designed to represent communities displaced by the ongoing conflict over the Himalayan territory.
Regional officials say they approved 36 of JAAC’s 38 requests during discussions last year involving the organization, regional leadership and Pakistan’s federal government. Two outstanding requests involved constitutional issues that could only be resolved by the Legislative Assembly.
Kashmir remains split between Pakistan and India, with both nations claiming complete control over the territory and having engaged in two conflicts over the region since gaining independence from British control in 1947. Last year, confrontations between demonstrators and security forces in Pakistan-administered Kashmir resulted in multiple deaths, including police officers.
