Polling in two districts of disputed Pakistan-administered Kashmir has been postponed because of security concerns, the election commission said yesterday, days before voting was due to take place.

The third phase of elections was scheduled for August 10, but polling in Poonch and Palandri has been postponed, the commission said.

“A new date and revised schedule will be announced after reviewing the situation,” it added.

The postponement comes after unrest was sparked by demands to abolish 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for people who migrated from the Indian-administered portion of Kashmir.

The movement was led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which the government banned under anti-terrorism laws.

The government also instructed international media to seek permission to report outside major cities after foreign news organisations covered protests, elections in Kashmir.

The information minister and the ministry’s media wing did not immediately respond to AFP’s questions.