Clashes ‌between security forces and supporters of a banned protest group in Pakistan-occupied ‌Kashmir killed nine people ‌on ⁠Tuesday (July 14, 2026), officials said, a day before ⁠the group planned a march against controversial electoral arrangements ahead of regional elections later this month.

The ​violence stems from ‌a dispute over 12 seats reserved in the regional Assembly for refugees who live elsewhere in Pakistan, a system ‌protesters say dilutes local representation.

Poonch ​Divisional Commissioner Waheed Khan said protesters blocked a security convoy and ⁠attacked officials in the Poonch sector. “Police and security officials responded in self-defence,” Mr. Khan said.

Six protesters and one police officer were killed in Tararkhal, while a protester and a security official died in a separate clash in Rawalakot, he said.

The Joint Action ‌Committee (JAAC), banned in June under anti-terror laws, has ​called for a march on Rawalakot on Wednesday (July 15, 2026). Mr. Khan said security ⁠forces were prepared to prevent marchers from entering ⁠the city.

Around 30 people have been killed in the ‌unrest since June, according to local estimates.