Two leading human rights organisations have stepped up pressure on authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to launch an independent investigation into deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International issued separate calls this week for a transparent inquiry into violence that erupted in Rawalakot and Mirpur, as a long-running political dispute over legislative seats turns increasingly bloody. Main Developments Violence flared in Rawalakot on Monday and spread to Mirpur on Tuesday, with multiple casualties reported during confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. The clashes mark the most severe escalation yet in weeks of demonstrations led by the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which demands the abolition of 12 seats in the local assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir. HRCP described itself as “deeply alarmed” by reports of deaths and injuries, calling the casualties “a stark reminder of the human cost of the tensions that have gripped AJK in recent weeks.” The commission urged an end to the “cycle of violence” and demanded a “prompt, impartial and independent investigation” into the use of force, with accountability for anyone responsible for unlawful actions. Read also: Why Pakistan's Single Digital ID Could Reshape Public Services Background The JAAC has been holding protests for several weeks, intensifying after the AJK government declared it a proscribed organisation on June 5 and placed it under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism act (ATA). This followed the committee’s announcement of a strike for June 9. Authorities launched a crackdown the next day, arresting scores of leaders and later placing 147 activists on the Fourth Schedule of the ATA. The underlying dispute centres on 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, which the JAAC wants abolished. Tensions have been compounded by a 54-day internet and mobile services blackout imposed on the night of June 5 across parts of AJK, including Muzaffarabad division, which was partially restored only on Wednesday. Why It Matters The unrest threatens the credibility of AJK’s ongoing elections, which are being held in three division-wise phases. The first phase took place in Mirpur division on Monday, the same day as the Rawalakot clashes. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused “militant elements pursuing a foreign agenda and backed by Indian funding” of fomenting the violence, while dismissing the JAAC as “not peaceful but violent.” Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, warned that the communications blackout “will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground.” The organisation called for immediate restoration of internet and mobile services, as well as access for media and independent observers. Many residents in Muzaffarabad, where services were restored Wednesday, complained that cellular data remained painfully slow. What's Next Authorities face growing demands to launch a credible investigation into the deaths and injuries, with both HRCP and Amnesty insisting on independence and transparency. The remaining two phases of AJK elections are scheduled to proceed, but the commission urged authorities to “exercise restraint in responding to protests” and shift focus “from confrontation to protecting lives and restoring public confidence.” It remains unclear whether the partial internet restoration in Muzaffarabad will be extended across the division or whether similar measures will follow in other affected areas. The AJK government has not yet responded publicly to the calls for an independent probe, and secondary officials have refrained from commenting on the situation.