Deadly unrest in Rawalakot deepens as protesters accuse security forces of excessive force

Deadly clashes between security forces and protesters in the city of Rawalakot have left at least 40 people dead, as a movement demanding lower food and electricity costs and broader civil rights has become the focus of one of the most serious crises in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The unrest centres on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), whose members say they are peacefully seeking implementation of a rights agreement signed in October. Authorities have banned the group, describing it as an armed organisation attempting to disrupt local elections, says the BBC.

The violence has largely affected young people between the ages of 15 and 35, according to accounts from residents and medical workers.

With many protesters fearing arrest or further violence if they seek treatment at government hospitals, injured demonstrators have instead turned to makeshift medical facilities.

"We have enough supplies to provide first aid. We can stop bleeding, clean and dress wounds, and remove superficial bullets. But patients with serious injuries to the chest, abdomen, head, or other vital organs need advanced hospitals," said Dr Anwar, who runs one such clinic.

He said the facility had treated between 50 and 60 critically injured patients in a single week despite lacking the capacity to provide specialist care for severe gunshot wounds.

Families mourn victims

Friends and relatives of those killed said demonstrators had been campaigning over rising living costs and basic rights.

"We only asked for affordable flour, electricity and our basic rights. Instead, our brothers are being killed. What was our crime? Why are live bullets being fired at us?" said Ali, a friend of injured protester Shafqat Hussain.

"We were only asking for our rights. We are not terrorists. No mother could ask for a better son," said Asma, the mother of a protester who was killed.

"I feel proud that he gave his life while standing up for the rights of the people. He was not fighting or attacking anyone," said Salman, the brother of another deceased protester.

Ayub, a retired soldier whose son was killed, compared the current unrest with previous periods of military rule in Pakistan.

"I lived through the martial law periods of General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf. But I have never seen anything like what is happening now. In my opinion, it is extreme injustice," he said.

Authorities and JAAC trade accusations

The JAAC denies accusations that it is an armed or foreign-backed organisation and says security forces have used live ammunition against peaceful protesters.

"I believe that certain elements, who are under their control, were infiltrated into our ranks... I believe they may have carried out such actions [killing security officials] themselves in order to justify their own narrative," said Umar Nazir, a member of the JAAC's core committee.

Authorities reject those allegations.

The government of Pakistan-administered Kashmir has banned the JAAC, saying it is an armed group seeking to disrupt local elections. It says it has evidence that JAAC members carried weapons, has reported attacks that killed security personnel, and has denied that security forces fired indiscriminately at peaceful protesters.

The government "rejects the allegations the security forces fired indiscriminately upon peaceful protesters, saying that law enforcement acted against individuals who were involved in attacks on law enforcement personnel..." according to its statement.

City under lockdown

Rawalakot remains under severe restrictions, with internet services cut, roads blocked by felled trees or security checkpoints and most businesses closed.

Residents have reported shortages of food and other essential supplies, with some relying on motorbikes to transport items such as rice into the city.

Journalists present at protests said they did not observe protesters carrying weapons, although overnight gunfire and a heavy security presence underscored the continuing tensions.