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Police Claim Personnel Abducted and Subjected to Violence
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police have alleged that eight highway police personnel deployed for election duty were abducted by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) .
Police spokesperson SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegation during a televised press conference, stating the personnel are in JAAC custody and have been subjected to “brutal abuse” . He further alleged that the group had threatened the families of the abducted officials .
State Warns of “No Leniency” if Personnel Are Harmed
Shaukat issued a stark warning to the JAAC leadership, stating the state would “show no leniency” if the personnel are harmed, obstacles are created in their release, or threats to their families continue .
“The state was not weak before and is not weak now,” Shaukat said, stressing that violent acts for the sake of rights are not above the law . He described the JAAC as a “violent” group intent on challenging the state’s writ and weakening state institutions .
Electoral Process and Public Rejection of JAAC
Shaukat claimed the people of AJK had rejected the JAAC’s approach by participating in the elections and choosing a democratic path to elect their representatives . He appealed to the public to distance themselves from the proscribed group and avoid involvement in activities challenging the state’s writ .
He also accused the group of using children and members of the public as shields during protests .
Heightened Tensions Amid Election Process
The allegations come amid heightened tensions in AJK, where the JAAC has been holding protests over demands including the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir .
The government has previously accused elements involved in the unrest of pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving Indian funding .
