AJK Home Secretary Says Operation Against Armed Groups Necessary to Restore Peace
Islamabad: The Home Secretary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has said that a security operation against armed elements has become unavoidable, alleging that members of the proscribed Awami Action Committee are using sophisticated automatic weapons and explosive devices, posing a serious threat to public safety.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside the Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, the Home Secretary claimed that the group has disrupted peace and daily life across the region for the past 38 days under the guise of public protests.
He alleged that the organization is promoting an anti-Pakistan narrative, making hostile remarks against the Pakistan Armed Forces, and attempting to damage the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir. He further claimed that traders have been intimidated into shutting down markets, causing hardship for residents.
The Home Secretary also accused the group of using students, women, and children as human shields and alleged that young people were being pushed into protest activities instead of continuing their education.
According to the official, normal life has resumed in most parts of Azad Kashmir, and educational institutions have reopened. He said state institutions are fully prepared to respond to what he described as intimidation and disorder in accordance with the law.
Referring to recent developments, the Home Secretary alleged that the group’s leader, Khawaja Mehran, had issued a 48-hour deadline to block entry points into Azad Kashmir. He said similar threats had failed in the past and claimed that the majority of the region’s population has rejected the group’s agenda.
He further stated that previous protests had caused billions of rupees in economic losses. He alleged that armed men opened indiscriminate fire on civilians at the Matial Mehra Bus Terminal in Rawalakot, and that when police intervened, they were attacked with automatic weapons and explosives.
According to the Home Secretary, security forces subsequently launched an operation against the armed group, with Rangers deployed to assist police in Rawalakot. He said one police officer was killed and another injured during the clashes, while one alleged member of the armed group was also killed in an exchange of fire.
The Home Secretary said a clearance operation is continuing to reopen major highways, including the Kotli–Tararkhel Road, and will remain in progress until all routes are secured. He added that the government is committed to restoring law and order, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential goods, and preventing any group from disrupting public life, business, education, or healthcare.
Note: The allegations and claims in this statement were made by AJK government officials during a press conference and have not been independently verified.
