ISLAMABAD (AP) — Clashes between supporters of an outlawed group and security forces in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have killed at least seven people, including four security personnel, officials said Monday, a day before a planned protest over political rights and legislative representation.Dozens more, including police officers and civilians, were wounded in the violence that erupted Sunday after the Supreme Court of Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan are constitutionally protected and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment.The landmark ruling came ahead of a rally planned for Tuesday by the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee, or JAAC, which has long demanded greater political rights for people in the region and the abolition of the refugee seats on the ground that the refugees have disproportionate influence. The group has organized large protests in recent years, some of which have turned violent.
Police said the dead were four security personnel and three JAAC supporters.According to the regional police, armed supporters of the group opened fire on security forces in Rawalakot, a city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and later surrounded the Combined Military Hospital, disrupting medical services. Authorities said security forces eventually dispersed the crowd and restored order.
