Outlawed Political Group Accused of Election Sabotage in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have accused the outlawed political group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of attempting to sabotage ongoing elections for the region's constitutional assembly. The accusations follow violent clashes between armed protesters and security forces, which left one paramilitary officer dead and several others wounded. Authorities also allege that militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban infiltrated weeks-long protests. Officials claim the protests, centered in cities like Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, are no longer peaceful and have been joined by armed elements, with claims of snipers and sophisticated weapons being used against police.

The JAAC, which was banned earlier and had several members arrested, advocates for greater political rights and the removal of refugee assembly seats—a demand rejected by the region's Supreme Court. Government spokesmen released video evidence allegedly showing masked gunmen attacking security forces. Two alleged militants were shown in videos confessing to receiving financial and military support to carry out attacks. Authorities have urged civilians to distance themselves from the protests and vowed to restore order to ensure fair elections, which are continuing in phases through August 10.