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 The court reportedly held that the constitutional provision could not be withdrawn through the demands presented before it, triggering fresh demonstrations across the region.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.

More than 50 British lawmakers have signed a letter calling for diplomatic intervention as Pakistani security forces crack down on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leaving 11 dead and over 70 injured.

Markets shut, protests widen

The situation across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains volatile. Markets in Muzaffarabad stayed closed on Tuesday, with shutdowns continuing in Bhimbar and Kotli. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets, defying a government crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the anti-government group leading the agitation.

Local sources said tear gas was fired at demonstrators following fresh clashes with JAAC workers. The unrest has triggered a communications blackout, making it difficult to verify ground-level developments independently.

Diplomatic pressure builds

Imran Hussain, the UK MP who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, confirmed that over 50 lawmakers have backed a letter to the British Foreign Office. The MPs expressed concern over arrests, internet and mobile service disruptions, and the deteriorating situation in the region.

"The letter urges the British government to take diplomatic action," Hussain said. British Kashmiris, according to the June 6 letter, have been unable to contact relatives in PoJK amid the blackout.

What India said

New Delhi did not hold back. On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of circulating "fake news and videos" to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in PoK. He expressed concern over reports of police brutality and said the international community must hold Pakistan accountable.

India has consistently maintained that territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation remain an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

11 dead, over 70 injured

The casualty figures tell a grim story. Seven civilians and four police personnel have been killed, officials said. More than 70 others have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Violence escalated after JAAC activists gathered outside a hospital morgue to protest the alleged killing of a member in police firing. Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan told Reuters that four police officers and a passer-by died after protesters opened fire. Six protesters were killed in the subsequent security response.

Police have described the incident as a terrorist act, claiming JAAC-linked individuals used shotguns and other weapons. The regional government banned JAAC on June 5 under anti-terrorism laws and launched a crackdown on its supporters.

What's behind the PoK unrest?

Despite government claims that most of JAAC's 38 demands have been accepted, the group continues its agitation. Key demands include the abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats, along with broader economic and governance reforms.

Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against civilians. "The unrest reflects growing public dissatisfaction in PoJK," he said, arguing that protesters seeking their rights are being met with force instead of dialogue.

The coming days will determine whether diplomatic pressure mounts or the protests spread further.

Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed in PoK: Unidentified Attackers Open Fire in Muzaffarabad

UAPA-designated terrorist linked to 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel shot dead outside AIMS College

Killed in Muzaffarabad

Hamza Burhan, a key conspirator behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad late on Tuesday evening. The incident took place outside AIMS College, where multiple gunshots were fired at the 23-year-old terrorist, killing him on the spot. Local sources confirmed that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault.

UAPA Designation Since 2022

India had officially declared Burhan a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2022. Originally identified as Arjumand Gulzar Dar, he was a resident of Ratnipora in Pulwama district. Government records show he had legally travelled to Pakistan before joining Al Badr, a banned terrorist organisation, where he eventually rose to become a commander.

The Pulwama Link

Investigating agencies have long believed Burhan played a significant role in orchestrating the February 14, 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The attack, carried out by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle, had pushed India-Pakistan tensions to the brink of conflict.

Travel to Pakistan

According to government documents, Burhan had initially travelled to Pakistan through legal channels. Once across the border, he reportedly established connections with multiple terror outfits and became actively involved in recruitment and funding operations. Sources familiar with the matter said he was operating from Pakistani territory for several years while maintaining ties with terror groups active in the Kashmir Valley.

Accused of Recruitment and Fundraising

Agencies had linked Burhan to several incidents, including the recovery of explosives in Pulwama, a grenade attack on CRPF personnel on November 18, 2020, and efforts to radicalise and recruit local youth into militant ranks. He was also known as a close associate of slain terrorists Abu Dujana, Abu Qasim, Burhan Wani, and Zakir Musa.

Unanswered Questions

The identity of the attackers remains unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the killing so far. Local authorities in PoK have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. While some analysts suggest internal rivalries among militant factions, others point to the possibility of targeted operations. Indian security establishment is closely monitoring the situation.