Seven civilians killed in Rawalakot clash as crackdown on banned JAAC continues

MUZAFFARABAD: At least seven civilians were killed in clashes between police and protesters linked to the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir's Rawalakot on Sunday, according to Poonch Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan.

The commissioner confirmed the civilian death toll a day after violence in which four law enforcement personnel were killed. He and AJK Inspector General Liaqat Ali Malik also said 30 people were taken into custody late on Sunday. The two officials said 23 policemen were injured during the confrontation.

The unrest followed heightened tensions over the death of a trader, who was allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcers on Friday night. His family had initially said his funeral would be held on Saturday, but later brought the body back to the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalakot, apparently for a post-mortem examination, and postponed the burial until Sunday. The body was placed in the hospital mortuary, though no post-mortem examination was carried out.

Protest outside hospital turned violent

During this period, scores of people continued a sit-in outside the CMH. Witnesses said a police party later arrived to disperse the demonstrators, after which an agitated group confronted the force. Riot police then used batons and tear gas to break up the gathering. The protesters responded by throwing stones, though witnesses said no one was hurt in that exchange.

The family of the deceased trader declared that they would not bury him until the home department's notification banning the JAAC was withdrawn. Officials have also accused demonstrators of attacking the CMH in Rawalakot on Sunday.

JAAC ban and wider tensions

Tensions have intensified in AJK in recent days after the regional government declared the Joint Awami Action Committee a proscribed organisation. The group has been pressing for the abolition of 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, which are reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947.

JAAC has alleged that these seats have often been used by mainstream Pakistani political parties to influence government formation in Muzaffarabad. On Friday, the AJK government formally banned the group, days before its planned June 9 protest, saying it was engaged in terrorism and had acted in a manner prejudicial to the peace and security of the state.

On Saturday, authorities began a crackdown on the organisation, arresting scores of its leaders and activists in different areas. AJK police also sealed the JAAC head office, according to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan.

The flow of information from AJK has remained restricted because mobile data services have been shut down. Authorities have also advised intending visitors to delay travel to the region until June 20, citing security concerns ahead of the planned protests. Islamabad has sent federal paramilitary forces to reinforce the region's police force.