All police personnel taken hostage by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during the Dhal Checkpost incident near Palandri in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been safely recovered, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
According to officials, the personnel who were held hostage overnight were rescued in the early hours of the morning and have safely returned to their homes. Authorities said all recovered officials are unharmed.
Meanwhile, action is underway against those involved in the incident. Officials stated that individuals responsible for challenging the writ of the state, taking government personnel hostage, and taking the law into their own hands will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
Authorities said that during the incident on Saturday night, several police and law enforcement personnel stationed at the Dhal Checkpost near Palandri were taken hostage by armed members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
According to eyewitnesses, law enforcement agencies exercised restraint and avoided an immediate response operation due to the presence of a nearby civilian population and concerns over potential loss of life.
During the crisis, the Deputy Commissioner of Palandri and other district administration officials remained actively engaged in efforts to secure the safe release of the hostages. Officials said the personnel were recovered unharmed through timely administrative measures, effective coordination, and the professional efforts of law enforcement agencies.
Authorities described the hostage-taking of government officials, attempts to intimidate state institutions, and the use of armed force to exert pressure as clear evidence of the group’s violent intentions and criminal conduct.
Officials maintained that all individuals involved in the incident would face strict legal action in accordance with the law, adding that any attempt to undermine state authority would be firmly thwarted.
It is important to mention here that the senior member of the recently banned terrorist organisation, Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Umar Nazir Kashmiri, earlier 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
