Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have intensified their crackdown on elements involved in disturbing peace and disrupting public order, detaining around 72 individuals linked to the Joint Action Committee (JAAC) over the past few weeks.
According to an official police statement, the arrested individuals face multiple charges including damaging public property, delivering inflammatory speeches, blocking public roads, and disrupting the normal routine of citizens. The police said all actions are being taken strictly in accordance with the law.
The statement further noted that preliminary investigations revealed that some individuals were involved in spreading hostile propaganda against state institutions during protest activities and attempting to undermine public order. Evidence is being collected against such suspects, and legal proceedings are underway.
The Inspector General of Police, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stated that peaceful protest is a constitutional and legal right of every citizen; however, no individual or group can be allowed to violate the law, damage public property, spread hate, or paralyse daily life. He added that indiscriminate action will continue against those taking the law into their own hands.
The police also urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report any suspicious activity or provocative content to the nearest police station or district administration without delay.
The AJK Police said all available resources are being utilised to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and uphold the rule of law in the region, adding that strict action against unlawful activities will continue without exception.
It is important to mention here that the senior member of the recently banned terrorist organisation, Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Umar Nazir Kashmiri, attacked the police officials by opening fire at them.
As per the media reports, one of the police officials has been injured. Umar Nazir Kashmiri, along with the mob, opened fire at the police officials appointed at the security measures over fake claims that Umar Kashmiri was attacked first by the police.
A firing exchange took place in Khai Gala, a town in Rawalakot Tehsil, resulting in the death of one civilian and serious injuries to two police personnel.
According to sources, a member of the core committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, and his companions were stopped at a checkpoint.
In response, Umar Nazir Kashmiri and his associates allegedly opened fire on the police, injuring two officers.
According to a spokesperson for Azad Kashmir Police, the incident occurred at around 11:45pm when armed suspects opened fire after being stopped at a checkpoint. Following police retaliation, the armed individuals managed to escape.
Also read: Indian GODI journalist ‘Aditya Raj Kaul’ backs JAAC in his post after it gets banned
