Deadly clashes erupted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir during the first round of voting for regional elections on Monday, July 27, resulting in more than 30 deaths, according to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a banned activist group that boycotted the vote and held protests.

In a video statement shared by Arab News Pakistan on Wednesday, JAAC committee member Sardar Umar Nazir claimed that 20 supporters of the group were killed during a march on the day of voting. He also reported at least 10 additional protesters were killed the following day in towns including Rawalakot and Mirpur during sit-ins.

Watchdogs have expressed concern over the mounting reports of deadly clashes, which have overshadowed the regional elections. Pear Pandya, a senior analyst at conflict monitor ACLED, said the violence "is bound to overshadow the legitimacy of the entire electoral exercise."

Political analyst Hasan Askari noted that to form a regional government, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would likely require support from some of the 12 representatives elected in the disputed seats.

The unrest highlights the volatile political climate in Pakistan-administered Kashmir amid the contested elections.

Sources