AJK police claim JAAC 'abducted' 8 highway police personnel on election duty

The Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) police announced on Thursday that eight highway police personnel, who were on election duty, had been abducted by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). During a televised press conference, police spokesperson Khawar Ali Shaukat confirmed the abduction, alleging that the JAAC targeted security forces deployed in the region for the elections.

The abducted officials are currently in the custody of the JAAC and have reportedly faced brutal abuse. The police spokesperson also mentioned that the miscreants had threatened the families of the abducted personnel, warning them that they would be martyred if their demands were not met. Shaukat emphasized that the JAAC is not a peaceful group but a violent one that challenges the state's authority and weakens institutions.

He clarified that the state was not weak and would not condone acts of violence for the sake of rights. He urged the public not to support the JAAC and to refrain from actions that challenge the state's control. Shaukat appealed to parents to monitor their children and prevent them from being misled by the group's propaganda. The JAAC, which has been demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir, has been organizing protests in the region for several weeks.

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel occurred in Rawalakot and Mirpur on July 28, resulting in casualties. The AJK government has accused militant elements, allegedly backed by Indian funding, of inciting the unrest. Last week, the AJK Information Secretary reported that seven law enforcement personnel, including those from the police and Rangers, were killed during recent unrest.