AJK police accuse banned JAAC of armed violence, bid to destabilise region

Addressing a press conference in Rawalakot, AJK Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat said the violence of the past two days contradicted

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have alleged that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is pursuing a coordinated agenda to disrupt peace and destabilise the region, claiming recent clashes with security forces demonstrate that the group has transformed into an armed organisation.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalakot, AJK Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat said the violence of the past two days contradicted claims circulating on social media that the movement was peaceful. He alleged that armed individuals occupied buildings, established fortified positions and opened fire on police and security personnel using automatic and sophisticated weapons.

According to the police, law enforcement personnel had been deployed across various parts of Rawalakot to maintain public order when they came under attack. Shaukat said authorities had exercised restraint throughout the situation but were compelled to respond in accordance with the law after security forces were targeted.

The police spokesperson maintained that the nature of the weapons used and the organised tactics adopted during the clashes suggested the involvement of more than an ordinary protest movement. He further claimed that the group’s activities were intended to damage social harmony, weaken the atmosphere of brotherhood in AJK and create instability in the region.

Officials said the confrontation claimed the life of a Rangers official, while around 15 police officers and other law enforcement personnel were injured during the exchanges.

Police have reiterated that operations are being carried out under the law to restore order, while investigations into the incidents and the alleged network behind the violence remain ongoing.