Nine die in protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

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KARACHI: Nine people have been killed and a dozen wounded in Pakistan-administered Kashmir following renewed, violent clashes between security forces and supporters of a banned reform movement.

The casualties, which occurred on Tuesday, include seven civilians, a paramilitary officer, and a policeman. The violence erupted in Poonch district as supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) vowed to march on the regional capital, Muzaffarabad, to demand economic and political reforms. Officials have warned that the march will be blocked.

The JAAC was banned under anti-terrorism laws in June, triggering ongoing sit-ins, strikes, and road blockades across Poonch. While authorities have shuttered the group's office and arrested hundreds, JAAC supporters reject the terror designation.

They are demanding economic relief and the abolishment of twelve legislative seats they claim major political parties manipulate ahead of the late July elections.