Protesters, law enforcers clash during AJK ‘clearance’ operation

A government operation to clear movement blockades in Pakistan-administered Kashmir turned deadly Tuesday, with two law enforcers and seven activists losing their lives in separate clashes. The violence erupted in the Poonch division as authorities moved to remove obstacles ahead of a planned "long march" by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) towards the regional capital, Muzaffarabad.

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We will remove all obstacles that are preventing the free movement of people and supplies.

The JAAC had previously issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding their grievances be addressed by July 14, and had announced their intention to march on Muzaffarabad if their demands were not met. The government, in turn, vowed to remove all impediments to the free movement of people and supplies.

The first confrontation occurred when law enforcement personnel raided a location on the outskirts of Rawalakot, reportedly acting on intelligence about a weapons cache. Officials stated they faced resistance from JAAC supporters, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One protester and one Rangers man were killed in this incident.

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One protester lost his life, while a Rangers man was martyred in the exchange of fire.

A second, more violent clash took place in Baloch, Sudhnoti district. Protesters allegedly blocked a convoy of law enforcement heading towards Trarkhal. According to the Poonch Divisional Commissioner, hundreds of protesters, some reportedly armed, pelted the convoy with stones, escalating into a skirmish where one policeman was martyred and at least seven protesters died.

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Hundreds of protesters, some of whom were armed, pelted the convoy with stones, triggering violent clashes.

In a statement, AJK police claimed that JAAC operatives had set up blockades, disrupting traffic and essential supplies. They stated that law enforcement launched a clearance operation, but were met with "unprovoked and indiscriminate fire" from armed JAAC groups. The police confirmed one constable was martyred and several others injured, vowing to continue operations to ensure uninterrupted movement.

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Armed groups of the proscribed JAAC had opened unprovoked and indiscriminate fire on security personnel.