Elections in the Pakistan-administered territory of Kashmir have been marred by violent clashes between protesters and security forces, underscoring the fragile security situation in the region.
The Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil rights group that has been organizing demonstrations for weeks, alleged that about 44 protesters were killed by security forces since the first phase of elections took place on July 27.
The regional government disputed the details, saying seven of its law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers, were killed and more than 45 injured, according to a statement from Muhammad Rashid Hanif, the information secretary. The regional government has banned the JAAC and designated it a terrorist organization.
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