Rawalakot (PoJK): Fresh violence has been reported from Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), with protest groups claiming that 20 people were killed and 38 others injured in alleged firing by Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel.

The reported casualty figures and allegations have not been independently verified, and Pakistani authorities have not officially confirmed them.

Violence Follows First Phase of PoJK Elections

The latest unrest comes a day after the first phase of the so-called PoJK Legislative Assembly elections, held on 27 July, amid heavy security and widespread political tension. Polling was conducted for 13 constituencies in the Mirpur Division as part of a three-phase election scheduled for 27 July, 2 August and 10 August. The Assembly has 53 seats, of which 45 are directly elected and 8 are reserved for women, technocrats and religious representatives.

The first phase itself witnessed violence and allegations of rigging, with at least one political worker reported killed and several others injured during polling.

Protesters Gather at Eidgah Ground

According to reports from the ground, protesters regrouped at Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot, bringing the injured with them.

They alleged that Pakistan Rangers and FC personnel had taken control of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalakot, and were denying treatment to wounded demonstrators. There has been no official response from Pakistani authorities regarding these allegations.

Funeral Prayers Held

Videos circulating on social media showed:

  • Ambulances transporting the injured to Eidgah Ground.
  • Bodies of those reported killed laid side-by-side on traditional wooden cots (charpais).
  • Large crowds gathering to offer Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers).

The authenticity of these visuals has not been independently verified.

Region Remains on Edge

The latest violence comes amid weeks of anti-government protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been demanding political and governance reforms in PoJK. The unrest has cast a shadow over the ongoing election process and heightened tensions across the region.

India’s Position

India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, are an integral and inalienable part of India. New Delhi has also stated that the unrest in PoJK reflects the long-standing grievances of people living under Pakistan’s administration.