At least seven dead after violence erupts in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

At least seven people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between security forces and supporters of an activist group in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, authorities and local media reported.

The violence broke out in the city of Rawalakot between police and members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an anti-government movement that says it is campaigning for economic and governance reforms and defending legitimate political rights, says AFP.

According to officials, three civilians were killed and about 40 others wounded during the unrest. Four police officers also died, while 23 officers were injured.

The clashes mark the latest escalation in tensions between authorities and the JAAC, which was recently banned by the regional government under anti-terrorism laws. The group has rejected the designation, describing the move as "oppression".

Authorities have intensified security measures following the violence. More than 70 JAAC members were arrested over the weekend, officials said.

A ban on large public gatherings was imposed in Muzaffarabad, the region's largest city, and authorities sealed the JAAC's central office. Security personnel were deployed across the city ahead of further protests expected in the coming days.

While markets remained open on Monday, residents rushed to purchase essential supplies over the weekend amid concerns that additional restrictions or lockdown measures could be imposed.

The latest violence follows similar unrest in the Himalayan region last September, when clashes between JAAC supporters and police left nine people dead.

Kashmir has been disputed since 1947, when British colonial rule ended in the Indian subcontinent. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in full but control separate parts of the territory.