ISLAMABAD: Four law enforcement personnel were martyred and more than 20 police and security officials were injured on Sunday in a planned attack by the armed miscreants of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in the Rawalakot city of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
A spokesperson for the Inspector General of Police said the attack on officers and personnel was carried out under a pre-planned strategy.
The spokesperson also condemned efforts to disrupt law and order and denounced an attack on the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalakot.
The statement said as a result of the firing, four law enforcement personnel were martyred, while more than 20 police and security personnel were injured and have been shifted to hospital for immediate medical assistance. The injuries of the martyred and injured personnel are of firearm and gunshot nature.
The IG Police Azad Jammu and Kashmir said that this incident is not a continuation of any peaceful political protest, but a systematic, armed and terrorist act in which the state writ, public order, law enforcement agencies and a medical facility were targeted.
He said the attack on CMH Rawalakot is not only a serious violation of law but also amounts to directly endangering the safety of patients, medical staff, injured personnel and civilians.
“Direct firing on law enforcement personnel, martyrdom, gunshot injuries, and subsequent attack on CMH Rawalakot is clear terrorism. The legal outcome of this attack will be inevitable, evidence-based and in accordance with the Constitution and law. No armed group will be allowed to take the peace of Azad Kashmir, the security of citizens and the state order hostage,” he warned.
He added Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police pays tribute to the martyred personnel and their sacrifice is for the peace of Azad Kashmir, the security of citizens and the rule of law.
The police stands with the families of the martyrs and all necessary steps are being taken for the treatment of the injured personnel, he said.
He added that Azad Kashmir Police and Administration make it clear that there will be no compromise on state writ, public peace and security of citizens.
Meanwhile, people across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have rejected the agenda of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), viewing it as an attempt to undermine the democratic process and weaken the representation of Kashmiris living in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
It is pertinent to mention that the Azad Kashmir government had recently declared the JAAC a banned organisation.
