At least one person was killed and several others were injured after violent clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Saturday.
The confrontation took place along the key road connecting Arja and Rawalakot. Consequently, tensions escalated as security personnel attempted to restore order in the area.
Police deployed to restore abandoned checkpoint
According to officials, law enforcement personnel travelled from Arja to restore an abandoned police post at Jindala Cross.
The checkpoint is located where the main road to Rawalakot branches toward the Tain-Dhalkot bridge over the Jhelum River.
Officials said activists of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had blocked the road. They alleged that the blockade was preventing people from travelling freely between both sides.
Moreover, authorities claimed that the continued disruption created serious difficulties for local residents and commuters.
Officials cite earlier attack on traders’ leader
Officials also referred to an earlier incident involving traders’ leader Nasir Arbab.
According to the administration, Arbab and his cousin were allegedly assaulted on July 1 after attempting to remove road barriers. They reportedly wanted to allow an ambulance carrying a body from Rawalpindi through the route.
His family alleged that JAAC activists abducted him, kept him in wrongful confinement and tortured him before abandoning him beside the road.
Photographs shared by relatives on social media appeared to show bruises and other visible marks of torture on his body.
Following the incident, traders in Arja ended their weeks-long shutter-down strike and resumed business activities.
Officials explain reason for restoring police post
Officials maintained that the decision to restore the abandoned police post followed repeated complaints about the situation in the area.
“The activists were misbehaving with everyone, necessitating the restoration of the previously abandoned police post located nearby,” an official said.
Authorities further alleged that some protesters threw stones at law enforcement vehicles during Saturday’s operation.
As a result, the confrontation turned violent, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue efforts to maintain law and order along the important Arja-Rawalakot road. Meanwhile, officials are closely monitoring developments in the area following the latest clashes.
