Thousands march to Muzaffarabad after failed talks; polls delayed in two districts
Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) intensified on Monday as thousands of demonstrators began marching towards Muzaffarabad after negotiations between the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the authorities broke down, while election officials postponed legislative assembly polls in two districts amid the unrest.The Election Commission deferred voting in the Sudhnoti and Rawalakot constituencies until August 10, citing an ongoing sit-in led by the Public Action Committee (PAC). The postponement comes as a weeks-long protest movement continues to disrupt public life and cast uncertainty over the electoral process.
Talks collapse, protesters hit the streets
The latest escalation followed the collapse of talks between JAAC leaders and the government on Saturday. Protest organisers alleged that authorities refused to release detained activists, withdraw criminal cases against protesters or agree to the committee’s core demands. After the negotiations failed, JAAC issued an ultimatum, asking the government to formally notify acceptance of its demands by 1pm on July 27. It warned that if no action was taken, thousands of supporters would march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad — a call that was subsequently carried out. The demonstrations mark the latest phase of a protest campaign that has entered its 52nd day.
Elections overshadowed by unrest
The political crisis unfolded alongside the first phase of polling in 13 constituencies of the Mirpur division. However, political parties said the prolonged demonstrations had severely affected electioneering across the region.Campaign rallies, public meetings and door-to-door outreach have reportedly been disrupted by strikes and sit-ins, while candidates have expressed uncertainty over voter participation if the protests continue.Residents told local media that public interest in the elections had sharply declined, with many believing that longstanding grievances and basic rights should be addressed before any electoral exercise. According to several residents, enthusiasm for the polls is “almost non-existent,” with the protest movement taking precedence over electoral politics.The ongoing agitation follows weeks of growing tensions in the region. On June 30, the JAAC criticised Pakistani authorities after an opposition delegation was reportedly prevented from entering PoK, calling it another example of restrictions on democratic rights and political dissent.The committee also alleged that authorities had obstructed food supplies and curtailed access to the region, claims it said reflected the government’s approach towards the people of PoK.Meanwhile, Amnesty International has criticised Pakistan’s handling of the situation ahead of the regional elections, accusing the authorities of using heavy-handed measures to suppress peaceful political dissent and violate fundamental human rights.
