Violence Mars Second Phase of Assembly Elections in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) voted for the second phase of assembly elections on 2 August. Tight security arrangements were made for the elections. However, violence was witnessed during the second phase. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has alleged rigging in the elections. Polling staff and election material could not reach LA-27 Kotli due to protests and road blockades in Muzaffarabad. The elections here have been postponed. There were clashes between protesters and security forces in Muzaffarabad on Saturday, a day before. After this, burnt vehicles, scattered stones and a large number of security personnel were seen on the streets of the city. Locals have expressed concern over the fresh violence in the area. There have been frequent incidents of violence in PoK and there have also been appeals by locals to boycott the elections. According to reports of indiscriminate firing by security personnel during recent protests in Muzaffarabad, many civilians and civilians have been injured.