Tensions Rise as PoK Votes in Second Phase Under Heavy Guard

Muzaffarabad

The second phase of assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir was held on Sunday amid fresh unrest. After clashes between protesters and security forces, several areas in Muzaffarabad reported burnt vehicles, streets blocked with stones, and heavy security deployment.

Elections are being conducted in three phases for 45 of the 53 directly elected seats in the assembly. This unrest has unfolded against nearly two months of protests, allegations of electoral malpractice, political boycotts, and strict measures by security forces.

Concerns Rise Over Violence

Residents said the violence just before polling increased fears that unrest would overshadow the election process. Local reports noted confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel, resulting in damaged vehicles, stone barricades on roads, and large deployments of police, paramilitary forces, and army troops.

Impact of Heavy Security and Protests

Authorities have enforced a three-tier security setup in PoK. Police, Pakistan Rangers, Federal Constabulary, and around 2,100 army personnel have been stationed to guard polling stations.

The polls are taking place during ongoing protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee [JAAC]. JAAC is demanding greater political autonomy, economic reforms, and the removal of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees settled in Pakistan.

The group is also seeking improvements in healthcare, education, employment, and a cut in political privileges. JAAC has boycotted the elections, arguing that the reserved seats allow Pakistan’s mainstream parties to influence government formation in the region.

After talks with officials failed, protests intensified in recent weeks with large demonstrations, strikes, and clashes. Due to the worsening security situation, voting was postponed in two constituencies.

Human rights organizations including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the United Nations, and Amnesty International have criticized the crackdown on protesters, internet restrictions, and the ban on JAAC under anti-terrorism laws.

India Rejects the Elections

India has rejected the polls, calling them a “cosmetic exercise” aimed at legitimizing Pakistan’s illegal occupation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas under Pakistan’s control, are an integral part of India.

He said the elections were an attempt by Pakistan to conceal its illegal occupation and divert attention from alleged human rights violations in the region.

Earlier this week Jaiswal said: “This electoral exercise in Pakistan is only an attempt to hide its illegal occupation and mask serious human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The large protests there are a direct result of economic exploitation, denial of basic rights, and administrative repression.”