PoK erupts in violence: Over 30 killed, 200 injured as security forces open fire on protesters

The violence has triggered international concern, with members of the Kashmiri diaspora staging demonstrations in the United Kingdom and nearly 30 British parliamentarians urging diplomatic intervention amid reports of arrests, communication restrictions and escalating tensions.

Deadly clashes follow JAAC ban

According to police, the unrest intensified after JAAC supporters gathered outside a hospital mortuary where the body of a fellow activist had been taken following an earlier police firing incident.

Authorities said security personnel attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to violent confrontations.

Police alleged that some protesters used automatic weapons, petrol bombs and other projectiles against security forces during the clashes.

The JAAC had called for a strike to protest the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the July 27 elections to the region's legislative assembly, where 45 seats are being contested.

The latest escalation came shortly after authorities formally banned the organisation, citing concerns over public order and security.

Protest movement rooted in economic demands

The JAAC has led several demonstrations in recent months, demanding implementation of a 38-point charter that includes subsidised flour, affordable electricity and governance reforms.

The movement has also opposed the continuation of reserved seats in the regional assembly.

Activists say the protests reflect broader public frustration over rising living costs, shortages of essential services and demands for greater accountability from authorities.

Reports indicate that demonstrations have intensified since early June, particularly in Rawalakot, which has emerged as a focal point of the unrest.

Diaspora demonstrations reach Pak consulate in UK

As violence unfolded in PoK, members of the Kashmiri diaspora gathered outside Pakistan's Consulate in Bradford, United Kingdom, to protest the security crackdown.

According to ANI, demonstrators accused Pakistani authorities of using excessive force against civilians participating in protests across the region.

Organisers claimed that multiple civilians had been killed and injured during security operations, particularly in Rawalakot, where tensions have remained high.

The overseas protests highlighted growing concern among diaspora communities over developments in the region and allegations of human rights violations.

British MPs seek diplomatic intervention

The unrest has also prompted intervention from a cross-party group of British lawmakers.

Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kashmir, led a letter signed by nearly 30 Members of Parliament to the UK Foreign Office.

The letter cited reports of communication blackouts, arrests and increasing restrictions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The parliamentarians urged the British government to "engage proactively and use all appropriate diplomatic channels to encourage de-escalation and a peaceful resolution" of the crisis.

The MPs also expressed concern over reports involving British nationals.

"We are also concerned by reports of arrests, including those of British nationals, restrictions on communications, and a breakdown in dialogue between the authorities and representatives of the JAAC," the lawmakers stated in the letter, according to reports.

The group warned that communication restrictions in a politically sensitive environment could further inflame tensions and erode public confidence.

Arrests and Communication Restrictions Raise Concerns

Following the ban on JAAC, authorities reportedly detained dozens of individuals associated with the movement.

British parliamentarians noted that discussions between government representatives and protest leaders had stalled amid disagreements over longstanding civic, governance and human rights concerns.

The MPs called for restraint, renewed dialogue and meaningful engagement with those raising grievances.

They also sought clarification from the UK government regarding its assessment of the situation, efforts to assist British nationals and their families in the region, and measures being considered to prevent further escalation.

Longstanding grievances behind renewed unrest

The current wave of protests reflects issues that have surfaced repeatedly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over recent years.

Residents have previously staged demonstrations over electricity shortages, rising utility costs and food-related concerns.

The latest agitation has brought those demands back into focus while adding political representation and governance issues to the debate.