Violence flares in Pakistani-administered Kashmir: 4 police officers killed in clashes

The death of a shopkeeper hit by a police bullet has sparked unrest in Rawalakot. At the root of the tensions is the decision by the Islamabad government to outlaw the Joint Awami Action Committee, a group calling for improved public services and local political reforms. Despite the crackdown, a protest march has been announced and is expected to begin tomorrow.

Rawalakot (AsiaNews) – At least four police officers have been killed and dozens of people injured after violent clashes broke out on Sunday between security forces and supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot, in what marks one of the most serious episodes of unrest in recent years in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the part of the disputed region controlled by Islamabad.

According to authorities, the clash occurred near the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalakot, where JAAC supporters — a local autonomist group recently declared illegal by the Pakistani government — had gathered following the death of a local shopkeeper who was allegedly struck by a bullet during a confrontation with police on Friday night.

In a statement released by the office of Inspector General of Police Liaqat Ali Malik, authorities confirmed that four officers died during the clashes. Police described the incident as an act of terrorism and pledged to bring those responsible to justice.

The violence also caused casualties among protesters. Authorities report that at least two demonstrators were killed, while dozens more were injured during the unrest. Local residents and activists claim the death toll could be higher, but independent verification is difficult due to reported disruptions of mobile internet services in several areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The latest violence was triggered by rising tensions linked to the shopkeeper’s death. Supporters and relatives of the deceased organized a sit-in outside the hospital, demanding justice and protesting the government’s decision to ban the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws. They stated that funeral rites would not take place until authorities withdrew the measure. Eyewitnesses report that tensions escalated when police attempted to disperse the demonstrators gathered around the hospital.

Government officials defended their actions, arguing that the prolonged sit-in was disrupting hospital operations and causing difficulties for patients, attendants, and commuters.

Authorities accuse the JAAC of inciting unrest, creating instability, and threatening public peace. Police confirmed that at least 72 members were arrested during operations conducted on Saturday. JAAC leaders strongly rejected these accusations. In an audio message shared on social media, the movement’s leader, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, denied any involvement in terrorist or violent activities, describing the movement as a peaceful campaign for democratic and economic reforms.

Despite the crackdown, the JAAC has announced it will continue its mobilization, including a protest march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad scheduled to start on June 9. Over the past two years, the Joint Awami Action Committee has emerged as one of the main local protest movements, calling for lower electricity tariffs, improvements in healthcare services, and reforms to the region’s political representation system.

As security forces strengthen their presence across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and fears of further unrest grow, political observers and human rights advocates have urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent further loss of life and instability in the region.

Photo: Twitter account of the Joint Awami Action Committee