RAWALAKOT: Law enforcement agencies have continued operations against armed groups accused of attacking security personnel in Rawalakot, as authorities say efforts are underway to restore order amid ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
According to AJK Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat, armed attackers have occupied various buildings across the city and are continuing assaults on security forces. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the senior officer said security personnel are actively responding to the situation and operations remain in progress.
Armed groups accused of attacks on security forces
SSP Shaukat stated that armed groups have launched attacks on law enforcement personnel in multiple parts of Rawalakot. He stressed that authorities would not extend any concessions to what he described as “miscreant elements.”
The police spokesperson confirmed that at least one Rangers official was martyred during the violence. He also said several suspects had been arrested during the ongoing operation, with sophisticated weapons recovered from their possession.
He added that attacks targeting security forces and state institutions were unacceptable, maintaining that law enforcement agencies had exercised restraint despite repeated violence.
Authorities vow strict action
The senior police official warned that those involved in attacks on state institutions would be dealt with “with an iron hand.”
SSP Shaukat further claimed that some of the suspects had links beyond the immediate area and alleged that anti-state elements were spreading negative propaganda through social media platforms.
He reiterated that the government would not allow anyone to undermine peace and stability in the region.
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Violence linked to banned JAAC
The latest clashes come amid unrest involving supporters of the proscribed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during the ongoing AJK general elections.
The AJK government declared the JAAC a banned organisation on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), alleging the group’s involvement in terrorism-related activities.
The ban came shortly before the committee’s planned June 9 protest demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Assembly allocated to refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
Federal government backs AJK administration
The federal government has described the recent violence as an attempt to disrupt the electoral process and undermine peace in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry, speaking alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, said Islamabad would fully support the AJK administration in dealing with violent elements.
According to the minister, the banned organisation’s campaign was aimed at depriving Kashmiris of their democratic right to vote rather than securing public rights.
AJK election results
The first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections was held on July 27 across 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts.
According to unofficial and provisional results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four seats.
