New Delhi, July 30 — The elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have been overshadowed by violence, allegations of electoral rigging and reports of enforced disappearances. The Joint Action Awami Committee (JAAC), which has been spearheading the protest movement, has repeatedly appealed to the people of the region to maintain peace, law and order throughout the electoral process.

Despite the JAAC's repeated appeals and the people largely adhering to its instructions, several incidents of violence have been reported from different parts of PoK.

According to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) official, the violence did not originate from the local population. "Inputs from the region indicate that Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists were instructed to infiltrate the protests. Their objective was to blend in with the demonstrators, instigate violence and then flee the scene, leaving the impression that the protesters drove the unrest," the official said.

The violence allegedly orchestrated by the terrorists and hired thugs provided the security agencies with a pretext to use force against the protesters, the official said.

Most of the protesters did not even know what hit them and why the security agencies were using force against them. Nearly 37 people have died, and nearly 200 have been injured over the last three days.

The Pakistan army has set up a mechanism in PoK to engineer violence so that force can be used. The larger agenda is not to listen to the demands of the people and yet have them stop the protests which have been going on for several months now.

An official said that the Pakistan establishment and the leadership in PoK have made offers for talks with the JAAC. However, the JAAC has realised that these offers of talks are not genuine and only a prolonged protest can help their demands be met.

Another official said that the PoK Sector Commander was recently summoned by the army’s top brass and instructed to use as much force as possible so that the protests come to an end.

He was told to take a couple of thugs and terrorists to the protest sites and tell them to indulge in violence. He was further asked to ensure the safe exit of these terrorists from the protest sites once the violence broke out so that the people do not get wind of what is happening, the official said.

These elements, which infiltrated the protests, have burnt government vehicles, buildings, and pelted stones. However, the most barbaric act committed by the terrorists was opening fire on the people. This led to a confrontation, and the people were blamed for protesting violently.

The JAAC has repeatedly urged the people to remain vigilant against more such attempts that would be made to infiltrate the protests. They have said that no matter what, the protests will not be withdrawn until all their demands are met.

Officials believe the situation in PoK is likely to deteriorate further in the coming weeks. They said it would become increasingly difficult for any political party to govern the region if the current unrest persists. The officials added that even if the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N), which is leading in the elections, forms the government, it is unlikely to enjoy public legitimacy.

According to them, a large section of the population believes the party colluded with the Pakistan Army to manipulate the electoral process in its favour.

These developments in PoK have also widened the rift between the PML-N and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which remain allies in the federal coalition. For years, the people of PoK have been complaining of official neglect and poor living conditions. They have been demanding lower electricity tariffs, food subsidies and an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite. Their demands include the withdrawal of luxury perks, free fuel and other excessive benefits extended to government officials and ministers.

Polling in PoK will take place in three phases between July 27 and August 10. The PML-N has so far won nine out of the 13 seats. The remaining were bagged by the PPP while Imran Khan’s PTI chose to boycott the elections.

A party requires at least 27 seats to secure a majority in the 53-member Assembly. Of the total seats, 45 are filled through direct elections, while the remaining eight are reserved seats.

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