Unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) entered another day on Friday as violent protests persisted despite repeated government appeals for dialogue.
According to reports, armed agitators exploiting the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) demonstrations attacked police personnel with spiked sticks, forcibly seized weapons, and opened fire. Several officers were beaten, stripped of their uniforms, and taken hostage. At least 31 federal police officials and 12 AJK policemen were injured and admitted to PIMS Hospital.
Clashes spread across Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Rawalakot, disrupting daily life across the valley. Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi visited the injured in hospital, vowing that “miscreants’ malicious designs will not be allowed to succeed.”
Meanwhile, negotiations are underway in Muzaffarabad between the Federal Negotiation Committee and JAAC representatives, following the prime minister’s directives. Advisor Rana Sanaullah assured that legitimate demands would be addressed within constitutional and legal limits, while officials expressed optimism that issues could be resolved peacefully in line with Kashmiri aspirations.
