In a statement, Amnesty International's Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, reacted to the security forces using lethal force against protesters in Rawalakot during the first day of the regional election. "The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities' long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir. A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces' use of force against protesters," Lassee said. We urge the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area," she added. Following this, the Pakistani security forces opened fire on the demonstrators in the region.