MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s police chief has said attempts to spread unrest through “anti-state propaganda” have failed, while detailing misconduct by a banned action committee involving the family of a slain police officer.
Speaking at a Police Martyrs’ Day ceremony in Muzaffarabad, Inspector General of Police Captain (retd) Liaqat Ali Malik said critics should establish the facts before condemning the AJK Police.
Malik referred to the case of Aqib, a police officer who died after being wounded, and said members associated with the committee had mistreated his family.
“Ask Aqib Shaheed’s father about the reality of those who sit outside and abuse the Kashmir Police,” Malik said.
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The police chief said members of the group abducted relatives who had arrived to receive Aqib’s body and subjected family members to violence and humiliation.
He further said Aqib died in an ambulance after sustaining injuries and said the committee subsequently prevented his body from being handed over for four days.
Police defend role
Malik rejected portrayals of police personnel as aggressors while those attacking law enforcement were presented as victims.
“If police officers are wounded by bullets, they are still called oppressors, while those firing the bullets are called victims. What kind of justice is this?” he said.
The IGP also questioned narratives surrounding violence during unrest, asking whether those protecting the country or those committing violent acts should be considered responsible.
Malik said the authorities had defeated attempts by the banned committee to spread instability through anti-state propaganda.
