Back to mobile site

Nine killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir clashes

July 14, 2026 12:43 PM EDT

FILE PHOTO: People chant slogans as they walk during a protest and shutter-down strike called by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an alliance of civil society groups, in Neelum Valley, Pakistani Kashmir, June 21, 2026. Picture taken with a

By Tariq Maqbool

MUZAFFARABAD, ‌July 14 (Reuters) - ​Clashes ​between security forces and supporters of a banned protest group in Pakistan-administered ‌Kashmir killed nine people on Tuesday, ⁠officials said, a day before the group planned a ‌march against controversial electoral ‌arrangements ahead of regional elections later this month.

The violence stems from a dispute over ​12 seats reserved in the regional assembly for refugees who live elsewhere in ⁠Pakistan, a system protesters say dilutes local representation.

Poonch Divisional Commissioner ​Waheed Khan said protesters blocked a security convoy and attacked officials in the ​Poonch sector.

"Police and security ‌officials responded in self-defence," Khan told Reuters.

Six protesters and one police officer ⁠were killed in Tararkhal, while a protester and a security official died in a separate clash ⁠in Rawalakot, he said.

The Joint Action Committee (JAAC), banned in ​June under anti-terror laws, has called for a march on Rawalakot on Wednesday. Khan said security forces ‌were prepared to prevent marchers from entering the city.

Around 30 people ‌have been killed in the unrest since ⁠June, according to local ‌estimates.

(Reporting by Tariq ​Maqbool in Muzaffarabad, writing by Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore; Editing by Sanjeev ‌Miglani)



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

Reuters