RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rawalakot Khawar Ali Shaukat on Thursday said that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has kidnapped and tortured eight police personnel.
Addressing a press conference, the police spokesperson alleged that the JAAC attacked security forces deputed on election duty in the region and abducted eight highway police officials on election duty.
Khawar Ali Shaukat added that the kidnapped personnel belong to Punjab. However, he didn’t say when or from where the personnel were kidnapped.
“The personnel are in the custody of JAAC and have been subjected to brutal abuse,” he said, adding that they also threatened the families of the personnel that they would be martyred if their demands were not met.
SSP Khawar further demanded the immediate release of the allegedly kidnapped personnel and warned that any harm to them would have serious consequences.
He accused the banned organisation’s members of attempting to undermine not only the state but also the state system.
SSP Rawalakot accused the Action Committee of using women as shields in protests, adding that the outlawed organisation has made life miserable for the people in Rawalakot.
“The state is showing restraint in the current situation, and this should not be considered weakness,” he noted. “Any group that challenges the state’s writ will be dealt with accordingly.”
He added that the people of Kashmir are rejecting violent protests, and the people’s severing ties with the organisation is clear evidence of this.
