Pakistani security forces have launched a major crackdown on protesters boycotting legislative elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with reports claiming at least 20 people were killed….reports Asian Lite news Desk
Pakistani security forces have launched a major crackdown on groups calling for a boycott of legislative elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with reports claiming that at least 20 protesters have been killed and more than 250 injured during clashes in the region.
The Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has been leading the election boycott campaign, said security forces targeted demonstrators as polling began on Monday. Violence was reported in the Dreik Eighth area of Rawalakot, where protesters were dispersed using live ammunition and tear gas, according to officials cited by Indian intelligence sources.
Indian intelligence agencies said Pakistani authorities had significantly increased security deployments across PoK ahead of the polls, including the positioning of snipers at several locations. They alleged that security personnel had been instructed to use force against those attempting to disrupt the election process.
According to the officials, the crackdown follows weeks of anti-government protests across the region. They claimed Pakistan’s military establishment is seeking to suppress dissent amid growing opposition to the elections.
Field Marshal Asim Munir had recently held meetings with security officials and directed them to act if protests continued, the officials alleged.
Another official said the demonstrations had largely remained peaceful but claimed the authorities were portraying the protesters as threats to national security to justify the use of force.
In addition to the reported use of live fire, authorities have suspended internet and mobile services across parts of PoK. Electricity and water supplies have also reportedly been disrupted in several areas.
The AAC has appealed to journalists and international organisations to highlight the situation and increase pressure on Pakistani authorities to halt what it described as repression against protesters.
The ongoing multi-phase elections will decide 13 seats in the PoK legislative assembly. Protest organisers claim the boycott has significantly affected voter participation and expect the campaign to continue during the remaining phases of polling.
The boycott movement has been driven by long-standing grievances over governance and development. Protesters argue that regardless of which political party wins, key decisions affecting the region will continue to be controlled by Islamabad. They also allege that the electoral process will be manipulated to favour candidates backed by Pakistan’s military establishment.
Despite the security operation, officials said there were no signs that the protests were losing momentum, particularly in Rawalakot, where thousands of demonstrators remain on the streets.
An Intelligence Bureau official described the situation in Rawalakot as highly tense, saying reports indicated that more than 250 people had been injured during the security operation, in addition to the reported deaths.
The crackdown has also drawn criticism from within Pakistan. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman condemned the firing on protesters and accused the authorities of failing to address the concerns of residents.
He said the people had the right to protest and alleged that many in PoK believed the elections had been rigged. He urged the authorities to end the use of force against civilians and expressed his party’s support for the protesters.
