Seven killed in clashes between protesters and police in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Seven people were killed and dozens more injured in clashes between police and supporters of a banned activist group in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, officials said on Monday.

Members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an anti-government movement advocating economic and governance reforms, had pledged to continue their demonstrations despite the group's recent ban under anti-terrorism legislation.

The latest violence occurred in Rawalakot, where Commissioner Sardar Waheed, the city's top civilian official, told AFP that three civilians were killed and 40 others wounded.

Police, in a separate statement, said four officers were killed and 23 injured during the unrest.

Authorities said the JAAC's central office was sealed on Sunday, while a ban on large public gatherings was imposed in Muzaffarabad, the largest city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Markets in the city remained open on Monday, with security forces patrolling the streets after residents rushed to stock up on essential supplies over the weekend amid fears of protests and lockdowns, an AFP journalist reported.

JAAC leaders denounced the government's decision to designate the group as a terrorist organisation, describing the move as "oppression" and insisting their campaign is aimed at securing legitimate economic and political rights.

Officials confirmed that more than 70 JAAC members were arrested over the weekend.

The Himalayan region last witnessed major unrest in September, when several days of clashes between police and JAAC-led protesters left nine people dead.

The disputed Muslim-majority region of Kashmir is claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan but has been divided between the two countries since their independence from British rule in 1947.