ISLAMABAD: Despite an appeal by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for peace, the violent clashes continue to erupt during Awami Action Committee protest in AJK leaving several police officers injured on Thursday.
Protests by the Awami Action Committee in Azad Jammu and Kashmir turned violent as clashes broke out between demonstrators and police.
Despite repeated government offers for dialogue, the protesters refused to end their agitation and the situation spiraled into violence.
According to officials, some miscreants attacked police officers, snatching their weapons and equipment. Injured officers said the protesters held them hostage, tore their uniforms, and beat them with sticks and stones.
The injured policemen claimed that demonstrators also opened fire on them and hurled tear gas shells from elevated positions.
PM Shehbaz Urges AJK Protesters to Stay Peaceful, Assures Resolution of Issues
They further alleged that the protesters used nail-studded batons, injuring several officers including the SP.
Police officers said they were deployed in the Plak area of Chakswari, Dadyal, when the protesters surrounded their residences and set their belongings on fire.
The attackers were reportedly armed with 30-bore pistols and 9mm handguns.
“One can only thank God for saving our lives, as the miscreants left no stone unturned,” said one injured officer, adding that the demonstrators even damaged the ambulance carrying him to hospital after removing road containers.
The officers accused the Awami Action Committee of trying to disturb law and order under the cover of protest and pursuing “nefarious designs.”
At least nine people have been killed in clashes with law enforcers, including three policemen, and over a hundred injured.
