Protests erupt in Rawalakot after election clashes

Clashes in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during the first phase of legislative assembly elections on July 27 killed at least 14 activists of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

The JAAC has been protesting over 12 contentious seats of the regional legislative assembly, alleging the establishment manipulates these seats to install a preferred prime minister.

A doctor in Rawalakot, treating gunshot victims, reported that most patients are young, aged 15-16 to 32-35, and that he has treated 15-20 patients with gunshot wounds in the past week.

Injured protesters avoid visiting the main hospital due to fears of arrest or being shot, though authorities deny this claim.

The standoff between protesters and police has caused food shortages in the region, as protesters demand affordable flour, electricity, and basic rights.