Violence continues in AJK despite govt’s appeal

ISLAMABAD: Violent clashes continued in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) during protests by the Awami Action Committee, leaving several police officers injured despite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s appeal for calm.

Officials said the protesters rejected repeated government offers for dialogue, and the demonstrations turned violent. Miscreants reportedly attacked police personnel, snatched their weapons and equipment, and held them hostage. Injured officers claimed their uniforms were torn and they were beaten with sticks and stones.

Police also alleged that protesters opened fire, hurled tear gas shells from elevated positions, and used nail-studded batons, injuring several officers, including the SP.

Policemen among nine killed in JAAC-led violent protests

The violence erupted while police were deployed in Plak, Chakswari, Dadyal. According to officials, demonstrators surrounded their residences, set belongings on fire, and carried 30-bore pistols and 9mm handguns.

“God saved our lives as the miscreants left no stone unturned,” said one injured officer, alleging that protesters even damaged the ambulance carrying him to hospital after road containers were removed.

Police officers accused the Awami Action Committee of disturbing law and order under the guise of protest and pursuing “nefarious designs.”