Muzaffarabad(PoJK): A resident of Neelum Valley was killed after Pakistani security forces opened fire on the demonstrators in Athmuqam Tehsil as the second phase of the so-called legislative elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) ended amid widespread violence, low turnout and electoral fraud.
The deceased has been identified as Raja Ehsan. According to reported details, the fatal incident occurred during firing at protesters in Athmuqam Tehsil, triggering heightened tension across the region during the polling process. The second phase of the corrupted legislative assembly polls in PoJK, which ended on Sunday, was marred by serious reports of vote-rigging, severe unrest and poor voter participation.
Polling took place across 21 constituencies, comprising nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division alongside 12 refugee seats, even as intense demonstrations against refugee seats criteria continued, which is intended towards ensuring Pakistani iron fist on PoJK. Heavy security presence left several pockets on edge. Highlighting the expanding footprint of the turmoil, the rising unrest in PoJK has now reached major urban centres, with protests spilling into Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
These fresh developments against Islamabad come as the PoJK election witnessed widespread disruptions and logistical failures and continuing, casting a shadow over the process and raising repeated questions over its credibility.
Reflecting the scale of local resistance, the voting process was disrupted in several constituencies due to road blockades and widespread protests. According to sources, in LA-27 Kotli, election staff and polling material reportedly failed to reach polling stations after protesters blocked major roads, forcing authorities to postpone polling entirely.
Similar disruptions were reported in LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II (Lechrat), where election officials and polling material could not reach 71 polling stations. Reports also indicated that election staff failed to reach several polling stations in other constituencies, severely impacting the conduct of polling. The extensive disruptions prompted opposition groups and protest organisations to question the effectiveness of the election arrangements.
Meanwhile, demonstrations against the regime continued throughout the day across multiple locations. At D-Chowk, protesters staged a sit-in and announced plans for a long march towards Muzaffarabad, while reports from Rawalakot suggested intermittent firing by security forces during the protests.
Demonstrators at another active protest site, Dreak Eidgah, where a sit-in has been maintained for nearly 50 days, remained steadfast. Women and children continued the protest, with organisers stating that the sit-in would continue until their demands were addressed.
The chaotic second phase of the elections was conducted against the backdrop of months of persistent political unrest and anti-government demonstrations across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Reaffirming its principled position amid the ongoing chaos, India has reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the regions “currently under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation”, are integral and inalienable parts of India.
Lashing out at the electoral process conducted in the region, New Delhi on July 28 categorised the polls as a calculated attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its unlawful occupation and mask “grave” human rights violations in the territory.
PoJK Protests reach Islamabad and Rawalpindi
A protest call was made by students outside Rawalpindi Press Club on August 2, Sunday evening, 5 PM (local time) onwards. A large number of students assembled, including those from PoJK. Heavy crackdown by police ensued and also saw mass arrests and baton charge; however, no reports of firing had emerged.
Large protest gatherings were also reported in Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where demonstrators criticised the electoral process and demanded political reforms. According to sources, police detained several protesters and student leaders during the demonstrations.
Islamabad bans digital news portals for reporting PoJK protest
Digital censorship measures have been escalated in Pakistan, with access reportedly being restricted to various news websites across Pakistan following certain media reports and coverage of the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
In tandem with the blocking of local and regional digital news domains, incoming reports indicate that international broadcasters have also become inaccessible to users within parts of the country. The restrictions target platforms reporting on the recent wave of protests, security crackdowns and mounting public grievances in the region.
The channels at risk of being blocked in Pakistan include those belonging to the main opposition party, its leader and jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, as well as several journalists critical of the government. Additionally, YouTube notified 27 content creators that their channels risk being removed if they fail to comply with the court directives.
Meanwhile, the Joint Awami Action Committee(JAAC) who is at the epicentre of revolutionising PoJK protest has released urgent details regarding ongoing violence in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and has released footage that shows security forces dragging and assaulting an unarmed civilian in the street.
According to the committee, an individual in civilian clothing is standing alongside security forces and is discharging a firearm toward protesters. According to data updated by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (HRC-PoJK) as of August 2, Sunday, a total of 80 fatalities have been documented, comprising 33 civilian deaths prior to July 27, 43 from July 27 onwards across Rawalakot, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad.
In response to these events, the Joint Awami Action Committee is calling on the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, international media outlets, and diplomatic missions to examine the footage, independently verify the facts and press for an immediate, independent, and impartial investigation.
Furthermore, the committee has urged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to closely monitor the deteriorating humanitarian situation and ensure that injured individuals and affected civilians receive necessary protection and assistance in line with its mandate.
(With Inputs from ANI)
