Burnt-out vehicles, heavy security: PoK votes in second phase amid unrest
Legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are proceeding amid significant unrest and security crackdowns. Protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee have resulted in boycotts and violence, highlighting deep-seated grievances regarding political representation and economic conditions.
Why it matters
The ongoing instability and election boycotts in this disputed region have significant implications for regional security and political legitimacy.
Pakistan conducted the second phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday amid fresh unrest, with residents reporting burnt vehicles, rock-strewn roads and heavy security across parts of Muzaffarabad following clashes between protesters and security forces.The voting is taking place in the second of three phases for the 45 directly elected seats of the 53-member assembly. However, the polls have been overshadowed by nearly two months of protests, allegations of election irregularities, political boycotts and a security crackdown.Residents of Muzaffarabad said fresh violence ahead of polling had raised concerns that the unrest would dominate the election process.
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