Over 30 people have been killed and around 200 others have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Tensions in the region escalated after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a prominent civil society alliance that has spearheaded protests over economic and political grievances in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Amid a worsening situation, a shutter-down strike continues to take place in the backdrop of a communications blackout imposed following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad. The condition remains grim in the region as anti-Pakistan protests drew in hundreds of protestors who took to the streets, and shutdowns continue in cities such as Bhimbar and Kotli. The recent development comes after Sunday night’s clashes claimed the lives of seven civilians.

The crackdown by Pakistani authorities on civilians has also drawn in global condemnation.

More than 50 members of the British Parliament have written to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing concern over reports of a communications blackout, arrests, and escalating tensions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. In the letter, the parliamentarians highlighted reports from the region of internet and mobile service disruptions, restrictions on communications, and growing unrest. They said, they had been contacted by numerous British Kashmiris who were unable to establish contact with relatives in the region. They noted that restrictions on communications in an already sensitive political environment risk increasing uncertainty and further escalating tensions.