Summary
Protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have resulted in at least 15 deaths and a complete shutdown of several districts. The unrest is driven by a grassroots group demanding government action on high electricity bills and wheat shortages. The government has sent negotiators to the region and imposed a communications blackout.
Key Facts
- At least 15 people, including three police officers, have died in the protests.
- The protests are led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group representing traders and civil society.
- The unrest began on September 29 and has caused businesses and transport to stop.
- The government has cut off mobile and internet communication in the area.
- The protests started over issues like high electricity costs and wheat shortages.
- The region has a population of over four million people and operates under a semi-autonomous system.
- The JAAC was formally established in September 2023 to address these grievances.
