RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Serious allegations have emerged against armed individuals present at a sit-in organised by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
According to sources, between 200 and 300 armed individuals are present at the sit-in, and they open fire from mountainous locations on security personnel before shifting their positions.
It is further alleged that when security forces respond to miscreants present alongside JAAC members, responsibility for the resulting incidents is placed on law enforcement agencies.
The public has called for strict legal action against anyone found involved in armed activities, saying that those responsible should be dealt with under the law and that peace in AJK should be restored.
The development came a day after two girls were seriously injured in a firing by armed men of JAAC near the Rawalakot bus terminal.
The Rawalakot District Police spokesperson said a group of armed men opened indiscriminate fire on police personnel on duty near the bus terminal, which resulted in the injury of two girls.
The injured are identified as Ayesha Saqib and Javeria Saqib, both residents of the Matyal Mera area near the bus terminal, police said.
“Armed men of the action committee carry out attacks on security personnel and civilians every day, resulting in martyrdom and injuries to civilians,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson said such incidents were aimed at creating unrest and damaging the reputation of law enforcement agencies by harming civilians.
The district police reaffirmed that they will continue to take all necessary measures to eliminate armed groups of JAAC and maintain law and order in the region.
