Fresh clashes erupted in the POK ; Protesters Pelt Stones At Pakistan Army Convoy (Photo: Screengrab/Times Now) Tensions continue to escalate in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after Pakistan security forces fired tear gas shells at protesters. Notably, fresh clashes between security forces and workers of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) erupted in several parts of the PoK Several videos surfaced online, where protesters could be seen pelting stones at Pakistani security forces. In one of the videos, a large crowd could be seen attacking the Pakistan Rangers' convoy in the Bhimbere area of the PoK. The convoy of the Pakistan Army and rangers was moving to the Mirpur district of the PoK when they came under attack from locals. Meanwhile, visuals that surfaced from Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, showed forces could be seen firing tear gas shells at the mob pelting stones. At least 30 people were killed after Pakistani security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters associated with the JAAC in the PoK. The incident has escalated tensions in the region and led to fresh allegations of excessive force by the authorities. The protests erupted after the PoK government banned the JAAC, a grassroots movement that has gained support for raising issues such as rising inflation, electricity tariffs, taxation policies and what its supporters describe as the region's long-standing political marginalisation. The Pakistani authorities defended the crackdown, stating around 90 people were arrested in Mirpur Division and weapons were recovered during operations against protesters. Officials maintained that the action was necessary to preserve law and order and prevent violence. However, protesters, civil society activists, and members of the Kashmiri diaspora rejected the government's claims. The deadliest violence was reported in Rawalkot, where clashes between protesters and security personnel allegedly resulted in multiple civilian deaths. Sources further claimed the operation was part of a broader strategy to curb anti-establishment sentiment ahead of elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The JAAC demanded that the Pakistan administration should abolish the 12 reserved seats allotted to people who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir to other parts of the country. The organisation was of the opinion that these 12 seats would allow non-residents of the area to allow major political parties of Pakistan to interfere in the decisions of the local assembly. The JAAC was also reportedly demanding economic reforms in the region, including lower energy prices. Also Read: ‘Why Didn’t We Take PoK?’: PM Modi Flips Question Back At Congress — Watch the Moment It is not the first time that protests erupted in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir over the same demand. In the past also, locals had protested against the Pakistani government and its forces over local resources being shifted to other parts of the country. In September last year, several civilians had lost their lives in violent clashes between residents in the PoK and Pakistani forces during massive protests.