Kashmir Unfolded Sunday Under Heavy Security, After Weeks of Deadly Protests and a Boycott Call That Left Muzaffarabad's Streets Largely

The unrest began June 5, when authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a local pressure group, over demonstrations about rising prices and governance. The protests grew into a demand to abolish 12 legislative seats reserved for displaced Kashmiris elsewhere in Pakistan, and a crackdown followed. The Election Commission split voting into three phases: Mirpur voted July 27, Muzaffarabad and the refugee constituencies on Sunday, and Poonch — the JAAC stronghold — on August 10. An internet shutdown lasting over 50 days has hampered campaigning and reporting.

Polling opened at 8am (03:00 GMT) with paramilitary and police deployed across Muzaffarabad. Markets, banks, and petrol stations had been closed since Friday, and public transport was suspended. Residents and rights groups say the death toll has surpassed 50, including at least seven security personnel; the government has not released an official figure.

The JAAC claims more than 60 civilians have been killed since June and has called for a boycott. In a main square, young men denounced the election. "We have no issue with Pakistan or its armed forces, one man in his late 20s told Al Jazeera, fearing reprisals.

"We came out for our rights, and we are being shot at directly. Ahmer Gilani, 31, said he boycotted over the crackdown on JAAC supporters "with absolutely no hint of an apology. "No government should shoot its own people, he said.

Inspector General of Police Liaqat Ali Malik rejected allegations of civilian deaths, saying, "I have lost seven of my men. More than 200 of my officers have been injured in the last few weeks. He accused JAAC supporters of trying to snatch polling material.

Many residents saw the vote as a verdict on a political class they say has exploited them for decades. "People are dying and being injured while fighting for our rights, one anonymous resident said. A first-time voter said she changed her mind after recent deaths in Rawalakot, Mirpur, and Kotli.

"These politicians exploit every vote they get for their own interests, another said. Yasir Josh, 28, voted for the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) "because PMLN wants to form a government with a two-thirds majority and commit tyranny. Voting was cancelled in two constituencies due to heavy rain and landslides; some residents claimed JAAC protesters blocked access. Repolling is set for Tuesday.