PoK on the boil: Polls, a deadly crackdown by Pakistani forces and a region in turmoil

According to Dawn, police form the first layer of security, followed by Pakistan Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, while the Pakistan Army serves as the third layerPakistan's legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) are taking place under an unprecedented security blanket, with thousands of police, paramilitary personnel and around 2,100 army troops deployed across the region. But rather than projecting stability, the polls have been overshadowed by weeks of protests, allegations of rigging, political boycotts and international concern over the treatment of demonstrators.The election comes after nearly two months of unrest that has left dozens dead, hundreds injured and sparked widespread criticism of Islamabad's handling of the region.Polling for the