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 The court reportedly held that the constitutional provision could not be withdrawn through the demands presented before it, triggering fresh demonstrations across the region.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

India has raised a sharp objection to the legislative assembly elections being held in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region currently under Pakistan’s administrative control but claimed by New Delhi as part of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The voting is scheduled for June 7 for 24 assembly seats across 10 districts.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan’s decision to conduct elections in the region “illegally and forcibly occupied” by it is unacceptable. According to the MEA, such political exercises cannot alter the legal and constitutional status of the territory.

India has consistently maintained that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan, is an integral and inalienable part of the country.

Elections Under Existing Framework

The upcoming polls are being held more than five years after the previous elections conducted in November 2020, when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the dominant political force. The current assembly completed its five-year term in November 2025, but elections were delayed due to harsh weather conditions and logistical challenges in the mountainous region.

Gilgit-Baltistan operates under a separate administrative structure compared to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). While PoK has its own constitution and political setup, Gilgit-Baltistan has historically remained under federal control from Islamabad with limited autonomy.

Governance Structure Explained

The region’s governance framework was first formalised through the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order of 2009, which introduced an elected assembly. Later, the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 expanded the powers of the local government, though key authority continues to rest with Pakistan’s federal administration.

The current election is the second held under the 2018 framework, highlighting the evolving but still limited self-governance structure in the region.

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Elections Ahead

Separate from Gilgit-Baltistan, elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are scheduled for July 27. The PoK Legislative Assembly consists of 53 seats, including reserved categories for women and technocrats.

In the 2021 elections, PTI secured a majority, but political instability followed after changes in Pakistan’s federal leadership. Subsequent leadership transitions and internal political realignments have continued to shape governance in the region.

India’s Constitutional Position

India also reiterated that 24 assembly seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are reserved for areas currently under Pakistan’s control, including Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK, as per the delimitation framework introduced after the 2019 reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Since India does not exercise administrative control over these areas, elections are not conducted there and the seats remain vacant.

Geopolitical Context

The issue remains a sensitive point in India-Pakistan relations, with New Delhi consistently opposing any political or electoral activity in the region conducted by Islamabad. India maintains that such exercises have no legal standing and do not affect sovereignty claims.

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.

In a surprise twist to the freshly inked US India trade deal, the US Trade Representative's office quietly deleted a social media post featuring a map of India that included Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Aksai Chin as Indian territory. This PoK map removal has ignited diplomatic buzz, highlighting ongoing border sensitivities amid strengthening economic ties.

The map showed the entire Jammu and Kashmir region, including PoK, and Aksai Chin—claimed by China—as part of India. Posted shortly after last week's trade pact announcement, it was scrubbed without explanation, fueling speculation in New Delhi.

Major Changes in US Fact Sheet on US India Trade Deal

The White House also revised its fact sheet on the US India trade deal, softening key commitments. Pulses vanished from India's tariff reduction list—no longer mentioning cuts on US agricultural imports like these. The $500 billion purchase pledge shifted from "committed" to mere "intends to," dialing back expectations.

Digital services got a breather too. India won't scrap its tariff outright; talks on digital trade rules are now on the table. Energy, ICT, coal, and select goods remain focal points.

Russian Oil Tariff Rollback: Big Win for India

A major relief package emerged with the Russian oil tariff rollback. The US rolled back its 25% penalty on Indian imports of Russian oil from August 27, 2025, to February 6, 2026—potentially refunding ₹40,000 crore. Refunds go to US importers first, who'll negotiate shares with Indian firms under Customs law. Exact payouts remain unclear.

President Donald Trump formed a three-minister task force—Commerce, Foreign, and Finance—to watch India's Russian oil imports. Violations could reinstate penalties.

India Export Benefits from the US India Trade Deal

This deal opens doors to America's $30 trillion market, supercharging India export benefits:

• Tariff cuts up to 18% on Indian goods for better US access.
  
  

• Zero tariffs on generic drugs, gems, diamonds, and aircraft parts.
  
  

• Boost for textiles, leather, plastics, chemicals, handicrafts, and machinery.
  
  

• Section 232 exemption for aircraft parts; quota for auto components.
  
  

• Easier rules for generic pharma.
  
  

MSMEs, farmers, fishers, women, and youth stand to gain big.

Why now? With global trade wars raging and India's economy eyeing $5 trillion, this US India trade deal arrives amid Trump 2.0's "America First" push. The PoK map removal underscores geopolitical tightropes, but Russian oil tariff rollback and export perks signal pragmatic wins. Experts like former diplomat S Jaishankar note it balances security with commerce—vital as India diversifies from China.

Shaksgam Valley Deal Illegal: Indian Army Chief Slams Pakistan-China Pact Amid CPEC Expansion

In a bold first press conference of 2026, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi declared the 1963 Pakistan-China agreement on Shaksgam Valley illegal. Speaking from New Delhi just hours ago, he rejected any activities in the region, especially China's China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. This comes amid rising concerns over Beijing's infrastructure push in territory India claims as its own.

The statement underscores India's firm stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where Shaksgam Valley—part of Jammu and Kashmir—lies under Chinese control. General Dwivedi echoed the Ministry of External Affairs, dismissing a recent joint China statement on CPEC 2.0 as unlawful.

Why Shaksgam Valley Matters Now

Shaksgam Valley, nestled in the Karakoram range northeast of Siachen Glacier, is no remote outpost. It's strategically vital near the India-China-Pakistan tri-junction, linking to the Karakoram Pass.

Reports reveal China building a 75 km-long, 10-meter-wide all-weather road here. This alters ground realities in India's sovereign territory, heightening Ladakh and Siachen security risks. Ladakh Lt Governor Kavindra Gupta reinforced this, stating PoK belongs to India and warning against China's "expansionist policies." He added India has evolved since 1962—any aggression will face a strong response.

• Historical Context: Post-1947 J&K accession, Shaksgam Valley became Indian. Pakistan ceded it to China in 1963 amid 1950s incursions, ignoring India's protests.
  
  

• Current Trigger: Post-Doklam, China's military buildup and CPEC extensions through PoK fuel tensions.
  
  

• Strategic Impact: CPEC corridor enhances Pakistan-China connectivity, threatening India's northern borders.
  
  

India's Unwavering Position

General Dwivedi clarified: "We do not approve of any activity in the valley." Experts like retired Lt Gen DS Hooda note this reaffirms India's map, where Shaksgam Valley remains integral. The MEA monitors closely, signaling diplomatic pushback.

This flare-up matters right now amid global shifts—US-China rivalry and India's border pacts like Quad amplify Delhi's resolve. China's actions risk escalation, but India's military modernization deters adventurism.

Path Forward for India

For citizens, this highlights border vigilance. Actionable steps include:

• Supporting diplomatic protests via petitions.
  
  

• Staying informed on PoK developments.
  
  

• Backing self-reliance in defense tech.
  
  

India's message is clear: Shaksgam Valley is non-negotiable. As CPEC advances, New Delhi's vigilance protects sovereignty.