The army has been called in following clashes between rival political activists in several parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir as polling is underway to elect the new state assembly.
At least two people were killed and several injured in an armed clash between the activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) of slain premier Benazir Bhutto at a polling station in Kotli district, according to Express News, a local broadcaster.
The deceased are said to be PTI workers.
Clashes between the rival parties were also reported from several polling stations in the capital Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Bagh, and Rawlakot districts, suspending the voting for hours.
Footage aired on local broadcaster Express News showed charged activists exchanging blows, kicks, and sticks against each other.
Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Abdul Rasheed Salehria told reporters that army troops have been sent to the violence-hit areas to restore the law and order.
