Tensions have escalated across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following days of protests against reserved legislative seats allocated to refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in other parts of Pakistan. According to reports and protest organizers, at least 46 people have died and more than 1,100 individuals have been detained during the ongoing agitation, which has entered its fourth consecutive day.

The movement, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has emerged as one of the most significant political confrontations in the region in recent years. Protesters are demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly, arguing that representation should be determined by residents currently living in the territory. The unrest has disrupted normal life in several major towns, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Poonch, where markets, educational institutions, and government offices remain closed.

Authorities have imposed security restrictions and internet services have reportedly been suspended in parts of the region as the administration attempts to contain the situation. The developments come just weeks before assembly elections scheduled for July 27.

Dispute Over Reserved Seats

The controversy centers on 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir and later settled in various regions of Pakistan. Protest groups argue that these seats distort local political representation and should be abolished.

The issue gained momentum after the PoK Supreme Court on June 7 rejected petitions seeking to end the reservation arrangement. The court reportedly held that the constitutional provision could not be withdrawn through the demands presented before it, triggering fresh demonstrations across the region.

Following the verdict, JAAC intensified its campaign, calling for mass protests and sit-ins.

Security Crackdown and Arrests

Administrative sources and protest organizers claim that security forces have launched a large-scale crackdown on demonstrators. Reports indicate that sedition cases have been filed against several JAAC leaders, including prominent figures associated with the movement.

The government had earlier imposed restrictions on JAAC under anti-terrorism provisions, a move that critics say further intensified public anger. Additional paramilitary personnel, including Rangers and Frontier Constabulary units, have reportedly been deployed in sensitive districts to maintain law and order.

Despite these measures, protest gatherings have continued, with demonstrations being reported in both urban and rural areas.

Internet Shutdown Raises Concerns

Communication restrictions have emerged as another major issue during the crisis. Internet services have reportedly been suspended in several locations, limiting access to information and affecting daily life.

However, speeches and messages from protest leaders have continued to circulate through alternative channels. Reports suggest that some broadcasts reached audiences despite connectivity restrictions, drawing attention to the challenges authorities face in controlling information flow during the unrest.

Humanitarian Concerns Grow

As protests continue, residents have reported shortages of essential goods, including medicines and food supplies. The closure of markets and transportation disruptions have affected normal economic activity across several districts.

Local observers say prolonged restrictions could further impact healthcare services, education, and small businesses if the situation remains unresolved. Authorities have not issued detailed statements regarding the supply situation, but concerns among residents continue to grow.

International Attention and Political Reactions

The unrest has attracted attention beyond the region. Demonstrations highlighting the situation have reportedly been organized by activists in cities including London and New York.

Political leaders and civil society groups have also voiced concern over reports of casualties and detentions. Calls for an independent investigation into the incidents have emerged from multiple quarters, with demands for greater transparency regarding the events unfolding in the territory.

Tension gripped Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district on Wednesday after the body of a missing youth was recovered from the Bihad river, prompting protests by family members and local residents. The deceased, identified as Lal alias Ritesh Choudhary, had reportedly been missing for the past few days following an alleged assault incident. The situation escalated when angry protesters carrying the body attempted to block a road demanding immediate arrest of the accused. Police later intervened and conducted the funeral under tight security.

Body Found In River

According to officials, the body of Ritesh Choudhary was found on Tuesday in the Bihad river near Karahiya area. Local residents spotted the body floating in the river and informed police authorities. Family members alleged that the youth had been assaulted three days earlier and claimed he was murdered before being thrown into the river. The recovery of the body triggered outrage among relatives and local residents, turning the Rewa youth death case into a major public interest story in the region.

Protest Outside Hospital

After the postmortem on Wednesday, family members and supporters carried the body from the hospital to the Amahiya road area and attempted to stage a road blockade. A large crowd gathered at the protest site demanding immediate arrest of those allegedly involved in the incident. Traffic movement in the area was partially affected as tensions continued for several hours. Police officials rushed to the spot after receiving information about the growing unrest.

Police Rush To Spot

City Kotwali police station in-charge Nisha Mishra and Saman police station in-charge Vijay Singh reached the location along with additional police personnel to control the situation. Officials held discussions with family members and protesters and assured them that action would be taken after investigation and postmortem findings. Authorities continued to monitor the crowd closely as the atmosphere remained tense throughout the protest.

Crowd Turns Violent

The situation worsened during the protest when a local youth allegedly referred to the deceased as a “criminal” in front of the crowd. The remark triggered anger among those present, following which several people allegedly assaulted the youth. Eyewitnesses said the crowd attacked him before police personnel intervened. Police officers immediately rescued the youth from the mob and shifted him to a safer location to prevent further violence.

Missing After Dispute

According to preliminary police information, a dispute and physical altercation had taken place two days earlier in Nipania locality under City Kotwali police station limits. During the incident, Ritesh Choudhary, a resident of Amahiya area, reportedly went missing under suspicious circumstances. Family members had been searching for him continuously before his body was recovered from the river on Tuesday.

Injury Marks Raise Suspicion

Sources indicated that multiple injury marks were found on the deceased’s body, strengthening the family’s suspicion of murder. Relatives have demanded strict action against the accused and a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to the youth’s death. Police said the body had been sent for postmortem examination and further action would depend on medical findings and evidence collected during the probe.

After prolonged discussions and assurances from police officials, family members agreed to proceed with the final rites. The body was later taken to the cremation ground under heavy police deployment to avoid any untoward incident. Authorities confirmed that the funeral was conducted under police supervision due to the tense atmosphere in the area. Officials said investigation into the Rewa youth death case remains underway and statements from witnesses and individuals linked to the earlier dispute are being recorded.

Bilaspur civic meet ends in 15 minutes amid women’s quota row

Bilaspur Municipal Corporation passes censure motion on women’s reservation issue as Congress stages protest with 2023 Act posters

Brief, tense proceedings

A special general meeting of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation on the women’s reservation issue wrapped up within 15 minutes on Thursday evening, with the ruling BJP pushing through a censure motion against the opposition. The hurried conclusion came after Congress councillors boycotted the Sitting and staged a protest outside, holding posters linked to the 2023 women’s reservation law.

The Sitting, scheduled for 4 pm at the municipal secretariat, began nearly 45 minutes late as councillors from both sides trickled in well past the designated time.

Delay before start

According to officials present, the session opened with the national anthem and a state invocation before the presiding chair briefly introduced the subject. The agenda centred on registering protest over alleged lack of opposition support during the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in Parliament.

However, the proceedings quickly veered into a political confrontation rather than a structured discussion.

Walkout and protest

Leader of Opposition Bharat Kashyap questioned the need for a special general meeting on what he termed a “national political issue”, arguing that local concerns such as sanitation, water supply and taxation were being ignored.

Calling it “new politics over an old bill”, he announced a walkout. Congress councillors soon exited the hall, later gathering outside with posters referencing the 2023 legislation and raising slogans against the BJP-led government.

Sources familiar with the matter said the opposition had decided in advance to register its dissent through a boycott rather than participate in what it viewed as a politically motivated session.

Swift censure motion

With the opposition absent, Mayor Pooja Vidhani delivered a brief address lasting about two minutes. The ruling side then passed a censure motion criticising Congress for its stance on the women’s reservation issue.

The entire process—from resumption after the walkout to adjournment—was completed rapidly, leaving little room for detailed deliberation.

Mask protest draws attention

Even before the meeting began, BJP councillor Ranganadam drew attention by arriving wearing a mask, a continuation of his symbolic protest from an earlier Sitting. A day prior, he had reportedly been involved in a heated exchange with the Mayor during a party Sitting.

On Thursday, he was also seen distributing masks to Congress councillors, in what appeared to be a gesture aimed at silencing the opposition—though it was received with visible protest.

Women’s voices missing

Despite the stated focus on women’s reservation, no woman councillor from either side was given an opportunity to speak during the proceedings. Observers noted this absence as significant, especially given the Political messaging around the issue.

While Deputy Leader of Opposition Santoshy Baghel was present, it was Bharat Kashyap who spoke for the Congress before the walkout. The meeting ended without any Mahila Parshad placing their views on record.

Political sparring outside

Outside the venue, Congress councillors continued their protest, accusing the BJP of politicising the women’s reservation issue. The BJP, in turn, countered by labelling Congress as “anti-women”, with its own councillors staging a parallel demonstration.

Initial reports indicate that the rivalry remained verbal, with slogans and placards dominating the scene rather than any escalation.

Background and context

The women’s reservation debate has remained politically charged since the passage of the 2023 Act, which proposes reserving one-third of seats for women in legislative bodies. Local bodies across states have occasionally mirrored this national debate, though critics argue such forums should prioritise civic governance issues.

In Bilaspur, Thursday’s  reflected that tension—where a Sitting intended to discuss women’s representation instead turned into a brief but sharp Political showdown.

What lies ahead

With both sides entrenched in their positions, further meetings of the municipal corporation could see continued friction. Officials indicated that routine civic agendas, including sanitation and infrastructure, are likely to be taken up in upcoming sessions.

For now, the women’s reservation issue—though central to the Sitting—remains more a point of Political contest than substantive local policy discussion.