AJK police accuse JAAC of hidden agenda, weapons s…
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of pursuing an agenda aimed at creating unrest in the region.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegations during a press conference in Rawalakot on Wednesday.
The police official said recent violence in Rawalakot had raised serious questions about the group’s claim that it was engaged in peaceful protests.
Shaukat alleged that armed groups attacked security personnel at several locations across the city over the past two days.
According to the police official, the attackers used sophisticated weapons during the clashes. He said security personnel came under repeated fire during the incidents.
The SSP said one Rangers official was martyred in the violence. He added that around 15 police officers and other law enforcement personnel were injured.
Shaukat claimed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks. He said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from those taken into custody.
The recovered weapons allegedly included heavy arms. Police also claimed to have seized an automatic weapon believed to be of American origin.
The SSP said the recovery raised concerns about the nature and objectives of the group involved in the violence.
He accused the proscribed organisation of attempting to disrupt peace in AJK and create divisions within society.
Shaukat also rejected claims circulating on social media that security forces had deliberately targeted peaceful protesters.
He said the situation on the ground was different from the narrative being presented online.
According to the police official, law enforcement agencies exercised restraint throughout the unrest. He claimed that security personnel responded only after coming under attack.
The latest police statement comes after clashes between protesters and security forces in different parts of AJK.
Violence was reported in Rawalakot on Monday and in Mirpur on Tuesday. The clashes reportedly resulted in several casualties, although details surrounding the losses remained disputed.
The JAAC has been holding protests across the region for several weeks. Among its demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir.
The dispute has led to growing tensions between protesters and the authorities.
The government has also accused militant elements of exploiting the protests. It has alleged that some groups involved in the unrest are pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving financial support from India.
The JAAC has rejected such allegations and accused security forces of using excessive force against its supporters.
The group has claimed that dozens of its supporters were killed during clashes. However, the claim has not been officially confirmed.
The competing claims have added to uncertainty surrounding the situation in AJK.
Authorities are now investigating the violence and the alleged involvement of armed individuals. Police have also indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
