Web Desk: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of Police Captain (retd.) Liaquat Ali Malik has accused a banned protest group of damaging public infrastructure, attacking security personnel and disrupting tourism and education during recent unrest in the region.
Speaking to media representatives, Malik alleged that members of the banned Action Committee dug up roads built at a cost of billions of rupees and cut down trees, which he said were subsequently handed over to timber smugglers.
He also claimed that people associated with the group had threatened to shut markets and commercial centres as part of their protest campaign.
Malik said the protests had severely affected tourism and educational activities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He alleged that security personnel had been killed and hundreds wounded during clashes with protesters.
According to the police chief, some alleged protesters used women as human shields while opening fire on security forces.
However, Malik said security personnel had exercised restraint and had not responded to gunfire with indiscriminate firing.
The police chief also questioned the presence of what he described as modern and prohibited weapons among people taking part in the protests.
“Who are the people armed with M4 and M7 weapons, and how can they be part of a peaceful protest?” Malik asked, according to remarks released to the media.
He further alleged that individuals involved in attacks on security posts, grenade attacks, killings and abductions could not be described as peaceful demonstrators.
Malik’s comments come amid heightened tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where protests and clashes have raised concerns over public safety, economic activity and essential services.
The police chief presented the government’s security narrative, accusing the banned group and its supporters of using violence and damaging public property.
The allegations could not be independently verified from the information provided, and no response from representatives of the Action Committee was included in the statement.
Authorities face growing pressure to restore normal activity while preventing further violence and protecting civilians, public infrastructure and security personnel.
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