Violent protests persisted in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) despite repeated government offers for dialogue.
According to details surfaced on Friday, the miscreants, under the cover of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) protests, continued to break the law at gunpoint. They attacked police officers, beating them with spiked sticks, seizing weapons and firing shots. The miscreants tortured police personnel and took their equipment by force.
Protesters also targeted Islamabad police officers. The injured reported being taken hostage, having their uniforms torn, and being pelted with stones and sticks. Weapons were seized and police fired upon. 31 federal police officers and twelve Azad Kashmir police personnel were hospitalised at PIMS.
Riots erupted in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Rawalakot, severely disrupting normal life in the valley. Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi visited the injured at PIMS and offered encouragement. He warned that the miscreants’ malicious aims would not be allowed to succeed under any circumstances.
Meanwhile, talks continue between the Federal Negotiation Committee and the JAAC on the prime minister’s instructions. All government committee members are present in Muzaffarabad. Sources report that discussions with the Joint Action Committee are proceeding in a cordial atmosphere.
Advisor to the prime minister, Rana Sanaullah affirmed that legitimate demands will be met within the framework of the constitution and law. Other Federal Committee members expressed hope that the issues of Azad Kashmir will be resolved through dialogue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
