Police Say Banned JAAC Activists Opened Fire
Four law enforcement personnel were martyred and more than 20 police and security officials were injured after activists of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee allegedly opened fire in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Monday.
According to a spokesperson for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of Police, the attackers deliberately targeted security personnel. The spokesperson condemned the incident and described it as a serious act of violence against law enforcement agencies.
The injured officials were shifted for medical treatment, while security forces remained on alert in the area. Authorities said further action would be taken against those involved in the attack.
The firing incident has increased tensions in Rawalakot and surrounding areas. It also comes at a sensitive time, as the AJK government had recently declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws.
The ban was imposed ahead of the group’s planned protest on June 9.
Group Was Banned Before Planned Protest
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee had previously organised large-scale protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir over economic issues and political rights. Some of those protests turned violent in the past.
Clashes during earlier demonstrations in May 2024 and September 2025 had resulted in casualties and injuries. The latest attack has renewed concerns about law and order in the region.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry had already accused the banned group of trying to create instability. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Sunday, he said the government had accepted most of the group’s demands.
Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a high-level committee to hold negotiations with the group. He added that a monitoring committee was also created to ensure implementation of agreed points.
According to the minister, the government had implemented all clauses of its agreement with the committee. He said commitments made to the families of those martyred and injured during previous protests had also been fulfilled.
He further stated that 170 cases registered during earlier demonstrations had been withdrawn.
Government Links Protests to Wider Instability Concerns
Despite these measures, Chaudhry said the banned group had again called for protests. He claimed that certain elements were attempting to disrupt peace and political stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The minister also alleged that efforts were being made to disturb free and fair elections in the region. He said constitutional matters, including the 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, could not be changed without proper legislation.
The Rawalakot firing has now placed the government and security agencies under pressure to restore order quickly. Authorities are expected to intensify security measures and pursue those responsible for the attack.
The incident has also raised fresh questions about protest politics, public grievances, and the state’s response to violent mobilisation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
For now, the priority remains the treatment of injured officials, the investigation of the firing, and the prevention of further unrest.
