Fresh violence in Azad Kashmir has raised tensions as deadly clashes broke out before a planned long march to Muzaffarabad. At least 10 people, including two security personnel, lost their lives during the unrest. Authorities have increased security across the region as protests continue.
Officials said eight civilians, one Rangers official, and one police officer were killed in the latest violence. The incidents have pushed the total death toll from recent protests and the following security crackdown to 28 people. According to officials, the overall toll includes five police officers.
Despite the violence, the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee announced that its long march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad would continue as planned. The group said participants would begin their journey on Wednesday afternoon.
The government has deployed nearly 4,000 security personnel, including members of the Rangers, Police, and Frontier Constabulary (FC). Authorities have also sealed Rawalakot to prevent protesters from moving toward Muzaffarabad.
Poonch Division Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan said security forces would not allow protesters to pass through the city. He added that anyone attempting to reach Muzaffarabad would have to use mountain routes instead of the main roads.
A dispute has emerged over the size of the gathering in Azad Kashmir. District officials estimated that around 1,000 to 1,500 protesters were present at Darek in Rawalakot. However, Awami Action Committee leader Abid Shaheen claimed that nearly 40,000 people had joined the protest. He also said women and children continued to arrive at the sit-in.
Independent confirmation of these figures remains unavailable. Authorities reportedly prevented media representatives from entering Rawalakot, making verification difficult.
The protesters have presented several demands. They want reserved assembly seats for Kashmir refugees living in Pakistan to be abolished. They are also calling for an end to political privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite. Other demands include reducing the number of ministers, limiting political appointments, and introducing stricter oversight of government spending.
Officials stated that the deadliest clash occurred in Sudhanoti. According to authorities, a convoy carrying around 450 Rangers personnel was stopped near Baloch Baithak. They alleged that protesters first threw stones at the convoy before opening fire.
Security forces responded after coming under attack, officials said. The confrontation reportedly resulted in the deaths of seven protesters and one police officer. Several other people were also injured during the exchange.
Another clash took place in Rawalakot when security personnel attempted to remove road blockades. Authorities claimed protesters again opened fire during the operation. One Rangers soldier was killed, after which security forces returned fire. Officials said one member of the banned organization also died in the exchange.
Police accused armed members of the Joint Awami Action Committee of carrying out targeted attacks that killed Rangers Naik Imtiaz Ali and Police Constable Aqib. They also alleged that members of the group opened indiscriminate fire near the New Bus Terminal after failing to attract wider public support.
The Joint Awami Action Committee has rejected these allegations. The group denied carrying out targeted attacks and disputed the official account of the violence.
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The situation in Azad Kashmir remains tense as security forces stay on high alert. Authorities continue to monitor developments while the planned march toward Muzaffarabad threatens to create further confrontation in the region.
