Protesters detained at a rally in Lahore, Pakistan, on Monday as they demonstrated in support of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Al Jazeera reported.

Regional Election Clashes Escalate

A banned Kashmiri activist group stated that at least 30 people have been killed in clashes during regional elections this past week, according to the news outlet.

Security Forces Respond to Protests

Lahore police moved in to detain demonstrators who had gathered in support of the disputed region; the rally was held amid heightened tensions following the recent election-related violence in Kashmir.

According to the activist group, the clashes have been concentrated in areas where security forces are enforcing an ongoing security operation.

Protesters reportedly chanted slogans demanding greater autonomy for the region, which has long been a flashpoint in the India-Pakistan dispute.

Government Remains Silent on Detentions

Pakistani authorities have not yet issued a statement regarding the detentions or the violence reported in the region — the activist group, which has been banned by the government, has called for an independent investigation into the deaths.

Regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are typically met with controversy and high levels of voter suppression; this year’s election has seen a significant number of candidates disqualified and polling stations canceled, according to local media reports.

At least three candidates were arrested on charges of inciting unrest before the voting began, according to the activist group, but the detentions have raised concerns about the fairness of the electoral process in the region.

International observers have called for greater transparency in the elections, though the government has not invited any foreign observers to monitor the process this year.

Residents in the region have expressed frustration over the lack of autonomy and the continued presence of security forces in their daily lives; some have described the situation as worsening, with reports of increased surveillance and detentions in recent months.

According to the activist group, the violence has primarily targeted civilians, with security forces accused of using excessive force to disperse crowds and enforce a curfew.

The group has also reported that at least 200 people have been injured in the clashes, with many seeking medical treatment in nearby cities.

Protesters in Lahore were reportedly prepared for the possibility of arrests, but the swift response by security forces caught many off guard — Several demonstrators were taken into custody and transported to an undisclosed location, according to witnesses.

Human rights groups have criticized the government for what they describe as a pattern of suppressing dissent in the region; they have called for an end to the use of force against peaceful protesters and for the release of those detained during the rally.

Despite the detentions, organizers of the Lahore protest have vowed to continue their efforts to raise awareness of the situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir; they have announced plans for additional demonstrations in the coming days.

The government has not yet responded to the latest reports of violence and detentions. Analysts say the situation could escalate further if the demands of the protesters are not addressed.