Armed attackers are continuing to target law enforcement personnel in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Rawalakot, a police spokesperson said on Wednesday, emphasizing that operations to oust them are ongoing.
In a press conference, AJK Police spokesperson SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat said the armed attackers had taken positions in different buildings across the city. Vowing zero concession for such “miscreant elements,” he said one Rangers personnel had been martyred in the clashes thus far and around 15 personnel injured, while several attackers had been arrested and “sophisticated weapons” recovered from their custody.
“The events of yesterday and today, the way our forces have been attacked with heavy and sophisticated weapons, shows … this is not an ordinary organization,” he said.
Terming the attacks on security forces and state institutions “unacceptable,” he said state institutions had consistently exercised restraint but all attackers would be dealt with “an iron hand.”
The SSP alleged that the “links” of the miscreant elements extended elsewhere, claiming anti-state elements were spreading negative propaganda against security forces on social media. He emphasized that authorities would not allow peace in the region to be undermined.
Shaukat’s press statement comes following violent clashes between security forces and supporters of the banned JAAC as phased elections in the region continue.
The JAAC is demanding the abolishment of 12 reserved seats in the local legislature for refugees from India-held Kashmir and has been protesting since June.