Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Rawalakot Protesters Accuse Security Forces of Lethal Force
In Rawalakot, a town in the part of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan, people have been sitting in a square for days.
They want the government to change how elections work and to stop keeping special seats for refugees from the other side of Kashmir.
They say the police shot and killed some of them.
The police say they were keeping order.
The Supreme Court said the special seats are legal.
The internet is shut down, so it’s hard for reporters to see what’s happening.
The protesters want the world’s news cameras to come and show the violence.
Protesters in Rawalakot have been holding a sit‑in at D‑Chowk for days, demanding a long march and electoral reforms.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee claims security forces used lethal force, killing unarmed demonstrators and targeting civilians.
Protesters seek to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for Indian‑side Kashmir refugees, arguing the seats give non‑residents undue influence.
A June Supreme Court verdict upheld the constitutionality of the reserved seats, sparking further unrest.
An internet shutdown has limited independent reporting and communication among protestors, while protesters call for international media to witness the violence.
- Who
- Protesters in Rawalakot, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) and core member Khan Ilyas Khan
- What
- Sit‑in protests demanding electoral reforms and alleging security forces used lethal force
- When
- Ongoing since early June, continuing into Thursday
- Where
- D‑Chowk in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
- Why
- Protesters upset over rising electricity tariffs, food prices, and the constitutionally protected 12 reserved seats for refugees, and accuse security forces of targeted killings
- Location
- Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
- Protest Group
- Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC)
- Alleged Violence
- Lethal force by Pakistani security forces, targeted killings
- Reserved Seats
- 12 seats for Indian‑side Kashmir refugees
- Supreme Court Ruling
- Seats constitutionally protected (June verdict)