AJK police allege 8 officers ‘abducted’ on election duty

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police on Thursday alleged that eight highway police personnel deployed for election duty had been “abducted” by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), as tensions continue to simmer across the region.

Police spokesperson SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegation during a televised press conference in Rawalakot, claiming that the personnel were being held by members of the group and had been subjected to what he described as “brutal abuse”.

According to the spokesperson, the security personnel were attacked while carrying out their election-related duties. He claimed the officials’ families had also been threatened, allegedly being warned that the personnel would be killed if the protesters’ demands were not accepted.

“We will not allow pressure to be exerted over the lives of these officials,” Shaukat said, calling for the immediate release of the personnel.

He warned that authorities would take action if the officials were harmed, their release was obstructed or their families continued to receive threats.

The police spokesperson also rejected the perception that the JAAC was a peaceful movement, alleging that recent incidents showed the group was willing to use violence to challenge the state’s authority and institutions.

“The state is not weak,” he said, adding that authorities had exercised restraint despite the escalating tensions.

Shaukat also appealed to residents to distance themselves from the group and urged parents to monitor their children, alleging that propaganda was being used to encourage young people to participate in unrest.

His remarks came as AJK continues to hold elections in phases amid heightened security concerns. The region has witnessed weeks of demonstrations led by the JAAC, which has been demanding, among other things, the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir.

Tensions escalated on July 28 when clashes were reported between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur. The violence reportedly resulted in several casualties and further intensified the political and security situation.

The government has also accused elements it describes as militants of exploiting the unrest and pursuing a foreign agenda, alleging Indian financial backing. Those allegations have added another layer to an already tense political environment.

Last week, AJK Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif said seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers officials, had been killed during the recent unrest.

Meanwhile, Thursday’s police statement has placed renewed focus on the safety of personnel deployed for election duties. Shaukat called on the JAAC to release the eight officials and warned that any further violence against state employees would trigger a firm response under the law and Constitution.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and the JAAC’s response to the police claims was not included in the report.