Protests in Pakistan in Kashmir after the killing of nine | Objections

At least 28 people have been killed since the protests began in June, as the region prepares for mass demonstrations.

Islamabad, Pakistan – At least nine people were killed in riots in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday, as a protest march in the regional capital, Muzaffarabad, there was a temporary standstill as tensions escalated.

Security personnel entered the house on the outskirts of Rawalakot town in Poonch district after being tipped off about armed forces, but it was set on fire, officials said. Another soldier was killed.

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In another clash in Sudhnoti district, protesters closed in on a security force, which officials said met with stones and gunfire. Seven protesters and a police officer were killed, according to government officials. Police officials have said that the security forces acted in self-defence.

Violent protests have been taking place in the region since the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the group leading the main protest movement, was banned by the anti-terrorism laws on June 5.

Protesters wait in Rawalkot before marching to Muzaffarabad

Meanwhile, protesters gathered under the JAAC umbrella were still in Rawalkot on Wednesday evening, despite announcing that they would leave at 2pm on Wednesday, officials told Al Jazeera. The government has severely blocked the internet and mobile phones in the area, making it difficult to reach protesters directly.

Munir Qureshi, deputy commissioner of Muzaffarabad, said the capital and surrounding areas are doing well.

“Muzaffarabad and the surrounding areas are all clear, and there are no disruptions to people’s lives,” he told Al Jazeera. “Internet access is limited for security reasons, but otherwise things are normal and there are no demonstrations or violence.”

Liaqat Ali Malik, the inspector general of police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), told Al Jazeera that the crowd in Rawalakot was estimated at between 3,000 and 4,000 people.

“There was no violence today,” he said.

But the conflict continues. The current unrest stems from a long-standing dispute over political representation.

A political debate

Pa in the middle of an argument and 12 seats in the regional parliament for Kashmiri refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947 and are now living outside the region.

JAAC says the arrangement allows political parties from Pakistan to undermine the government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir while diverting development funds meant for the region.

Last month, the region’s Supreme Court ruled that the seats are protected by the constitution and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment, a decision that led to the group’s protests.

The election in this constituency is expected to be held on 27 July.

About 28 people have been killed since the protests began on June 4, according to officials, while 79 have been injured.

Officials said around 4,000 policemen have been deployed across the region ahead of the march to Muzaffarabad.

Khan, the Commissioner of Poonch, said that trekkers are not allowed to pass through Rawalakot and instead have to use the mountain passes to reach Muzaffarabad.