Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) intensified on Monday as thousands of demonstrators began marching towards Muzaffarabad after negotiations between the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the authorities broke down, while election officials postponed legislative assembly polls in two districts amid the unrest.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
The Election Commission deferred voting in the Sudhnoti and Rawalakot constituencies until August 10, citing an ongoing sit-in led by the Public Action Committee (PAC).
The postponement comes as a weeks-long protest movement continues to disrupt public life and cast uncertainty over the electoral process.
Talks collapse, protesters hit the streets
The latest escalation followed the collapse of talks between JAAC leaders and the government on Saturday. Protest organisers alleged that authorities refused to release detained activists, withdraw criminal cases against protesters or agree to the committee's core demands.
