15 Killed in Violent Protests in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir

International media have reported that 15 people have died amid protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, following an escalation in violence during the demonstrations. According to these reports, 11 of the victims were civilians, while four police officers were also killed in the clashes.

At least 50 protesters have been injured in the incident, and sources have warned that the death toll may rise. The condition of several of the wounded has been reported as critical.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people are attempting to reach Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital, to join the new wave of protests. Security forces, supported by helicopters, have been preventing protesters from entering the city.

The protests began after 12 seats in the local legislative assembly were allocated to Kashmiri refugees for the upcoming elections—a move that has sparked reaction and dissatisfaction among some residents of the region.