Rawalakot: The spokesperson for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat, has said that armed attackers have taken positions inside various buildings in Rawalakot and are carrying out attacks on security forces. He further alleged that the attackers appear to have connections extending beyond the local area.
Speaking at a press conference, SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat stated that the armed individuals were entrenched in different buildings across the city and were using those positions to target law enforcement personnel. He said the authorities would show no leniency towards what he described as “mischief-makers” involved in the violence.
According to the police spokesperson, one Rangers personnel was martyred during the attacks. He added that police had arrested several suspected militants during ongoing operations and recovered modern weapons from those taken into custody.
Shaukat alleged that the network behind the attackers appeared to be linked to external elements. He also claimed that anti-state actors were using social media to spread negative propaganda and misinformation aimed at undermining public confidence and creating unrest.
The SSP stressed that attacks on security forces and state institutions would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said law enforcement agencies were continuing operations against armed groups in an effort to restore order and ensure public safety.
He further stated that state institutions had consistently exercised restraint despite the deteriorating security situation. However, he warned that anyone involved in attacks against government institutions or security personnel would face strict legal action.
According to Shaukat, the authorities remain committed to protecting peace in Azad Kashmir and preventing any attempts to destabilise the region. He alleged that the armed groups were seeking to disturb the area’s security environment but vowed that law enforcement agencies would not allow peace to be compromised.
The police spokesperson urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid becoming involved in unlawful activities. He also advised the public to rely on verified information from official sources rather than unconfirmed reports circulating on social media.
The press conference came amid heightened tensions following recent clashes and security incidents in Azad Kashmir during the election period. Authorities have intensified security measures in sensitive areas while investigations into the violence continue.
The allegations made by SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat regarding the attackers’ external links and other claims have not been independently verified. No immediate response from the individuals or groups referred to in the statement was available at the time of reporting.
Security forces remain deployed across affected areas as operations continue to apprehend those responsible for the attacks and restore normalcy. Officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while urging all parties to resolve differences through peaceful and lawful means.
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