MUZAFFARABAD: Following Sunday night’s intense clashes in Rawalakot that left seven civilians and four law enforcement personnel dead, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) was on alert on Tuesday (today) as the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike.
The JAAC had initially planned a long march starting from Bhimber, the southernmost district, moving through Mirpur, Kotli and Poonch, and culminating in Muzaffarabad on June 10, where protesters intended to stage a sit-in outside the Legislative Assembly.
Government officials, however, expressed cautious optimism that the protest call might receive a limited response. They cited several reasons, including a recent crackdown in which more than 200 individuals were detained across the region, while others reportedly went into hiding, according to official sources and witnesses.
A government official described the situation as “fluid,” saying that JAAC leadership and key mobilisers were currently on the run. He added that although small-scale demonstrations could still emerge in various areas, the movement had so far failed to gather significant crowds on the streets.
Another official stated firmly that protesters would not be permitted to assemble at any location, nor would a long march across the region be allowed under any circumstances.
Some analysts suggested that although markets might remain closed and transport could be affected, the strike call was unlikely to generate overwhelming public participation due to what they described as the rigid stance of JAAC leadership.
A retired government official, speaking anonymously, remarked that while the movement initially reflected genuine public grievances, certain leaders had pushed it into a difficult situation. He noted that although the demand regarding the abolition of 12 seats resonated with many people in AJK, it should not have escalated into a life-or-death confrontation.
Officials speaking to Dawn clarified that the administration would not compel shopkeepers to open their businesses, nor would it allow anyone to force closures. They added that peaceful protest would be tolerated, but any attempt to create disorder would be met with strict action.
Situation in Rawalakot
On Monday, routine life continued in most parts of AJK, although Rawalakot remained affected for the second consecutive day, with shops closed and public transport suspended. A partial strike was also observed in Dadyal, a lakeside town in Mirpur district.
Rawalakot, the centre of the violence, saw law enforcement agencies disperse protesters shortly after midnight on Sunday. Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan stated that protesters had blocked access to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and allegedly taken control of the facility, forcing medical staff to flee for safety.
He further claimed that individuals inside the hospital obstructed treatment of law enforcement personnel, caused additional injuries, and allegedly disrespected the body of a martyred police constable.
Describing the clashes, he alleged that protesters were equipped with long-range firearms, petrol bombs and other ammunition, and that they carried out coordinated attacks on law enforcement personnel from side alleys in what he termed a “guerrilla-style” operation.
He added that around 30 injured activists were admitted to hospital, out of which three critically injured individuals were airlifted to Islamabad along with four injured law enforcement personnel via helicopter. Six activists remained under treatment in the hospital as detainees, while the rest were shifted to a police station.
Funerals and official proceedings
Funeral prayers for three AJK police personnel — SHO Hajira Muhammad Inayat, Constable Muhammad Faisal, and Constable Faheem Anwar — were held at 5pm at Rawalakot Police Lines with full official honours. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Khushal Khan, Inspector General of Police Liaqat Ali Malik, and General Officer Commanding Murree Major General Zarrar Mahmood, attended the ceremony.
The seven civilians killed were identified as Usman Sabir from Koiyan village, Fahad Barkat from Rehara village, former serviceman Wasaid Siddique from Parrat village, Naqash Zardad from Matyalmera Danna village, Jamshed Ashraf from Hussainkot village, Muhammad Rasheed from Choti Nakkar Pakhar village, and Tariq Resham from Dothan village. Authorities said the ex-serviceman was caught in crossfire.
Officials also confirmed that the funerals and burials of three activists, including Shazeb Habib—whose body had been kept in the CMH mortuary since Saturday—were conducted by the administration and police, while the remaining deceased were buried by their families without any protests.
In a Facebook statement, a spokesperson for IGP Liaqat Ali Malik said that legal proceedings were ongoing against members of the proscribed committee allegedly involved in armed violence. He warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in attacks on law enforcement personnel and government property.