Dozens of people have been killed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PAK) over the past two months, following clashes between security officials and protesters from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The violence is occurring while elections are taking place in the region, which is home to approximately 4.5 million people.
In Rawalakot, a makeshift clinic has treated between 50 and 60 critically injured patients since 27 July, according to Dr. Anwar, whose name has been changed. He stated that he personally treated 15 to 20 patients with gunshot wounds. Protesters reportedly fear going to the main hospital due to concerns about arrest or being shot, a claim authorities have denied as inaccurate.
Protesters from the JAAC state their demonstrations are focused on basic rights, including concerns over electricity prices, education, and healthcare. They claim an agreement signed with the Pakistan and PAK governments in October has not been implemented. Conversely, the local government asserts the JAAC is an armed group aiming to disrupt the ongoing polls and has labelled them foreign-funded terrorists, a characterisation the JAAC rejects.
The government for PAK has rejected allegations that security forces fired indiscriminately at peaceful protesters. They state that law enforcement acted against individuals involved in attacks on personnel, threatening public safety, or obstructing lawful authority. Security officials have also reported injuries and deaths among their ranks, displaying guns they claim were taken from the group.
The BBC, which gained access to Rawalakot, observed food shortages and shuttered shops. Some residents reported efforts to smuggle in supplies. Roads into the city have been blocked, with authorities attributing felled trees to the JAAC, while also stating they are facilitating the entry of food and medical supplies.