Four police personnel were martyred and more than 20 security officers were injured after armed elements linked to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opened fire.
The AJK inspector general of police (IGP) has strongly condemned the incident, stating that armed elements gathered under the guise of a protest and targeted law enforcement personnel. He said the incident was not part of a peaceful political demonstration but a planned terrorist act.
The IG said the armed attackers targeted not only law enforcement agencies but also a medical facility. He added that the attack on the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalakot amounted to endangering the safety of civilians.
He said armed groups would not be allowed to hold the peace of Azad Kashmir and the safety of its citizens hostage. Paying tribute to the martyred personnel, the IG said the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police stood with the families of the fallen officers.
The IG, all necessary measures are being taken to ensure medical treatment for the injured personnel. He reiterated that there would be no compromise on the writ of the state, public order and the protection of citizens, adding that the law would take its course.
