Nine Die, Dozen Wounded in Renewed AJK Protests

Nine people were killed and a dozen wounded in renewed clashes between supporters of a banned protest group and security forces in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Among the deceased were seven civilians, one paramilitary personnel, and one police officer, all killed during violence that erupted on Tuesday in Poonch district.

The unrest follows a local government ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws in June. Clashes after this ban previously resulted in 22 deaths, according to an AFP tally. The Himalayan region also experienced protests in September last year, which left nine people dead.

Supporters of the banned JAAC, a movement demanding economic and governance reforms, have vowed to march towards the regional capital Muzaffarabad this week. Authorities have stated they will stop the march if protesters attempt to proceed towards the capital. The JAAC has also demanded the abolishment of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for those who left what is now the India-administered portion of Kashmir.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has proposed the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate recent violence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and help end a growing political crisis. In a letter addressed to the Core Committee and Negotiation Committee of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), Bilawal described the loss of lives, including those reported on Tuesday, as a "national tragedy" and expressed condolences to affected families. He emphasized that the lives of police and security personnel must also be protected. To address the dispute, Bilawal proposed an independent commission formed with the consent of all stakeholders, including the federal government, the AJK government, and representatives of the protest movement. According to his proposal, the commission would investigate recent events, examine grievances raised by all parties, review political and legal disputes, and recommend a long-term, peaceful resolution. Bilawal asserted that the people of AJK have an unquestionable right to raise political, economic, and constitutional grievances through peaceful means and warned against labeling peaceful protesters as terrorists or anti-Pakistan elements for demanding their rights. He added that allegations of violence involving either protesters or law enforcement officials should be investigated individually, impartially, and in accordance with the law, stating that the current confrontation cannot be resolved through force or inflammatory rhetoric.

The banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has reportedly contacted Bilawal.

Reports indicate that protests organized by the banned committee in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad failed to attract significant crowds.

Bilawal Bhutto has sent a letter of reply to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).