The first phase of local legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was held under heavy security on Monday amid violence, internet restrictions, and protests, with conflicting claims over the number of people killed during clashes between security forces and supporters of a banned civil rights group.
Voting began in the Mirpur division, the first of three phases of the election, with around 3.8 million eligible voters expected to participate across the region. Authorities split the polls into three phases, citing security concerns following weeks of unrest.
The elections come after months of protests led by the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has demanded electoral reforms, including the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees. The group argues that these seats allow Pakistan-based political parties to influence the formation of the regional government. Authorities have rejected the demand, saying the seats are protected under the Constitution.
JAAC Claims Protesters Killed, Police Reject Figures
Violence intensified after polling concluded in the first phase. JAAC claimed that at least 25 of its supporters were killed over two days, including 19 people in Rawalakot and six others in Mirpur. The group also alleged that more than 50 protesters were injured and accused security forces of opening fire on peaceful demonstrators.
“We have confirmation that 19 of our people have been killed,” JAAC core committee member Abid Shaheen said, adding that the organisation was prepared to provide the names and photographs of those killed. He also denied police allegations that protesters were carrying firearms.
Police disputed the casualty figures and said they could not verify the claims because no bodies or official medical records had been produced.
Inspector General of Police Captain (Retd.) Liaqat Ali Malik said two security personnel, including a member of the Pakistan Rangers, were killed during the clashes, while several police officers were injured.
“The protesters are violent and armed, and they continued firing at the security forces throughout the night,” Malik said.
Police alleged that supporters of the banned organisation attacked security checkpoints, torched police and military vehicles, and attempted to disrupt the election after polling had ended. Authorities also accused JAAC-linked social media accounts of spreading false videos to incite unrest.
Internet Shutdown and Boycott Call
The region has witnessed widespread internet and mobile service suspensions since June as authorities tightened security following repeated protests. Several candidates complained that the shutdown severely affected campaigning.
Independent candidate Malik Alauddin said the restrictions made it difficult to reach voters.
“The internet shutdown has created serious difficulties for political candidates and the electoral process itself,” he said, adding that he had to rely on door-to-door campaigning in remote villages.
JAAC had earlier called on residents to boycott the election, arguing that the voting process could not be considered fair while its leaders had been arrested, forced underground, or confined to protest camps.
Pakistan Government Defends Polls
Despite the unrest, Pakistan’s federal government said polling in Mirpur division was largely successful.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser Rana Sanaullah said the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 seats contested in the first phase, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats.
Sanaullah described the polling as “largely peaceful” despite isolated incidents of violence and rejected allegations of election rigging.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also ruled out talks with those accused of attacking security forces.
“I don’t think there will be any dialogue with them. I count them among those whom we see as being in the enemy camp of Pakistan,” Asif said.
India Rejects Poll Exercise
India criticised the elections, describing them as an attempt by Pakistan to legitimise what New Delhi calls its “illegal occupation” of the territory.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the election was “nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region.”
He reiterated India’s position that the entire territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas under Pakistan’s control, are an integral part of India.
The remaining phases of the election are scheduled to be held on August 2 and August 10.
