Clashes in Rawalakot kill protester amid seat-reservation dispute

The killing of a 30-year-old education department employee, Naqash Zardad, occurred at his buffalo farm in Rawalakot when a stray bullet struck him during violent clashes between police and protesters, local relative Altaf Hussain told the BBC; roads around the farm were blocked and Zardad could not return home.

At least 40 people have died in the run-up to the legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including 34 protesters and six police or paramilitary personnel, officials and reports state. Rawalakot has experienced some of the worst violence linked to protests called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

JAAC organised long marches and demonstrations against the reservation of 12 legislative assembly seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir; the government banned JAAC under anti-terrorism laws and launched a crackdown on protesters, while authorities insist elections will proceed in three stages starting 27 July.

The assembly comprises 53 seats: 33 directly elected, 12 reserved for displaced Kashmiris and eight reserved for women and others. The reserved seats were created in the 1970s for people who migrated from Indian-administered Kashmir and do not necessarily reside in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a point JAAC says undermines local representation.

Campaigning has been muted amid violence and fears: candidates have held private meetings instead of public rallies, vehicles and property have been torched, and some candidates faced attacks. Noreen Arif of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and other candidates shifted events to homes; Sardar Mukhtar Khan of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) said the protest’s youth support limited open campaigning.

Punjab and federal officials, including Pakistan’s minister for Kashmir Affairs Ameer Muqam, argued elections are necessary so residents can choose their representatives, while some local figures said elections under current conditions would lack credibility. Mobile phone and internet services were reported suspended for extended periods during the unrest.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The unrest centers on the contested reservation of 12 assembly seats for displaced Kashmiris, a provision dating to the 1970s and forming a substantial portion of the 53-seat legislature. JAAC’s protests and the government’s ban and crackdown have produced sustained clashes, significant fatalities, and restricted political activity. International concern has arisen, with the UN human rights chief calling for impartial investigations and criticising the banning of JAAC; India also commented on underlying rights issues while PPP leadership urged a truth and reconciliation commission and decried prolonged communications blackouts.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Naqash Zardad, 30, was killed by a stray bullet at his farm in Rawalakot during clashes between police and protesters.
• At least 40 people have died in pre-election unrest: 34 protesters and six security personnel.
• The protests oppose reservation of 12 assembly seats for displaced Kashmiris; the government has banned JAAC and plans staged elections starting 27 July.