At least nine people have been killed in renewed violence in Pakistan-administered Kashmir as political tensions continue to escalate. Clashes broke out after security forces carried out an operation near Rawalakot and later confronted protesters blocking a convoy. Officials said security personnel acted in self-defence, a claim which protesters dispute. The unrest follows the banning of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has led demonstrations over political representation and governance. At the centre of the dispute are twelve seats in the region’s legislature reserved for Kashmiri refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947 and now live outside the region: JAAC argues that they allow outside political influence and divert resources from local communities. A recent court ruling upheld the disputed arrangement, intensifying protests ahead of regional elections on 27 July. Since they began in June, at least 28 people have been killed and dozens injured. Heavy security remains in place as tensions persist and uncertainty continues across the region.