Violent clashes broke out in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after security forces opened fire on demonstrators, leaving over 30 people dead and around 200 others injured. The unrest intensified in Rawalakot following a heavy government crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a prominent civil society alliance that authorities recently banned under anti-terrorism laws. Tensions escalated drastically when a massive crowd gathered outside a hospital mortuary to protest the earlier shooting of a local trader, leading to a direct and bloody confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel.
The region has been plagued by deep-seated resentment and volatile protests over a series of economic and political grievances. Public anger boiled over following a controversial government decision to reserve 12 out of 45 legislative assembly seats for refugees living outside Kashmir, a move locals argue severely dilutes their native political representation. Additionally, the population has been demonstrating against severe inflation, soaring electricity prices, acute food shortages, and systemic governance issues. While local officials claim that security forces responded after being attacked with automatic weapons and petrol bombs, local residents and JAAC supporters accuse the administration of using disproportionate, lethal force against civilians. In response to the rapidly deteriorating security situation, authorities have enforced strict regional curfews, deployed heavy military patrols, and suspended mobile internet services across PoK to prevent further mobilization.