No armed group will be allowed to undermine law and order: Govt of AJK
Muzaffarabad(Parliament Times): On the third consecutive day of the region-wide lockdown, Azad Kashmir witnessed a sharp escalation in violence as clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in the deaths of six civilians and three police officers, with over 150 others injured.
The unrest follows a call by the Joint Public Action Committee, which launched a long march from Mirpur to Muzaffarabad to press for the acceptance of 38 public demands. As the convoy advanced, violent confrontations erupted in several areas, including Muzaffarabad, Dadyal, Chamyati (Dhirkot), and Palandri, leaving hospitals overwhelmed and emergency protocols activated.
Among the deceased civilians were identified Fareed, a resident of Jarrai (Dadyal); Farhan and Awais, residents of Gujra and Babu Mohalla (Muzaffarabad); and Ansar Javed, who died in Chamyati, Dhirkot. The three martyred police officers were Constable Khurshid and Constable Jameel (both from Bagh), and Constable Tahir Rafi from Muzaffarabad.
According to eyewitness accounts, protesters in Dhirkot set multiple police vehicles on fire after security forces allegedly used live ammunition to disperse the crowd. In response to the deteriorating situation, emergency has been declared in hospitals in Dadyal, Dheerkot, and Hill. Medical facilities are reportedly struggling to manage the influx of injured civilians and police personnel. The mobile and internet services remain suspended throughout the region, further aggravating the communication crisis.
The situation remains highly volatile. Protest caravans from Kotli, Tatta Pani, Sahinsa, Khoi Ratta, Nakyal, Rawalakot, Palandri, and Bagh are reported to be moving toward Muzaffarabad, with thousands participating in the demonstrations. A particularly large convoy from Bagh is currently advancing through Dheerkot toward Kohala, joining the main procession.
In the district of Bhimber, security forces conducted a series of arrests, detaining several individuals including Chaudhry Ehsan-ul-Haq, the brother of the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, and Shehzad, President of PTI Bhimber. Officials have stated that these actions are part of a wider crackdown on what they describe as “armed mobs attempting to take the law into their own hands.”
Family members of the slain police officers have called for justice, urging the government to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable under the law. In an official statement, government sources reiterated that no armed group will be allowed to undermine law and order, and vowed strict legal action against those found responsible for inciting or participating in violence.
The coming days are expected to be critical as tensions continue to rise and both protesters and authorities dig in. Despite calls for dialogue, little progress has been made in establishing meaningful negotiations between the government and the Public Action Committee.