CPI(M), PDP Speak Out on Rawalakot Deaths: 'Grievances Met with Force Deepen Crisis'

Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the People's Democratic Party on Tuesday expressed concern over the loss of life in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where at least 21 people were reported killed and dozens injured in clashes between security forces and protesters.

According to reports from the region, the incident occurred on Monday in Rawalakot when security forces opened fire on supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society group pressing for local economic and political reforms. The deaths and injuries have prompted outrage and renewed calls for accountability.

M. Y. Tarigami, a CPI(M) leader and legislator, said he stood with the people of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. “Their demands are just: end harsh economic policies, restore fair governance, and protect democratic rights,” he said. “The deaths and injuries in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli are a painful reminder that grievances met with force only deepen the crisis.”

Tarigami also referred to the Supreme Court of Pakistan's recent ruling on 12 refugee seats, which he said should be part of a broader political solution. “This struggle must be resolved constitutionally and peacefully — through dialogue, not repression,” he added. “We express solidarity with the families of the fallen. We call for accountability, relief for affected communities, and a political solution that honours rights and dignity.”

Naeem Akhtar, a former minister and senior PDP leader, appealed to Pakistan to stop what he called atrocities in “the part of our State that you hold.” His statement reflects the longstanding Indian claim over the region, which is administered by Pakistan as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. “People's demands cannot be brushed under the carpet by using brute violence,” Akhtar said. “Engagement and dialogue are the only way forward to resolve all issues in the region.”

The JAAC has been organising protests against rising prices, unemployment, and inadequate governance in the region. Monday's violence marks one of the deadliest incidents in recent months. Local sources told news agencies that the crowd was demanding the resignation of the local administration and the implementation of judicial reforms, but no official statement from Pakistani authorities has yet been released.

The statements from Tarigami and Akhtar come at a time when cross-border tensions remain high, and both leaders stressed the importance of peaceful, constitutional means to address grievances. Their remarks were made in Srinagar, where they were attending separate events, and were reported by local media.

The international community has watched the situation with concern. The United Nations has previously called for restraint and dialogue in the region. However, no formal international response has been announced as of Tuesday evening.

The protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have drawn attention to the region's autonomy concerns and economic challenges. The JAAC, an umbrella group of civil society organisations, has been leading the movement since early 2026. It has demanded that the Pakistani government retract certain tax increases and restore the region's legislative powers, which were curtailed in earlier administrative reforms.

Meanwhile, families of the victims have held vigils in Rawalakot and other towns, demanding justice and compensation. Local reporters said the military has sealed off parts of the city, but mobile internet services remain partially disrupted.

The incident is expected to dominate discussions in the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council, where Tarigami is a member. He has said he will raise the issue and urge the Indian government to facilitate international mediation or humanitarian assistance if needed.

Both leaders' statements underscore a shared concern among Indian political parties about the welfare of people across the Line of Control. While they differ on many domestic issues, there is a consensus that dialogue and de-escalation are necessary to prevent further loss of life.

As the situation develops, The Hindu will continue to monitor reports from the region and bring verified information to readers.