AJK Information Secretary Mohammad Rashid Hanif and DIG Irfan Masood Kashfi hold a press conference in Muzaffarabad on Tuesday. SCREEN GRAB
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday accused the banned Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of trying to sabotage the election process through violence and vowed that law enforcement agencies would uphold the state’s writ at all costs.
Addressing a press conference along with Deputy Inspector General of Police Irfan Masood Kashfi, AJK Information Secretary Mohammad Rashid Hanif said that the democratic process continued in Azad Kashmir through the ongoing election and the first phase had been successfully held in Mirpur Division.
He alleged that the outlawed JAAC had tried to sabotage the election process, saying disruptive elements had tried to keep the public away from polling stations. Nevertheless, the election result reflected the public’s confidence in the democratic process.
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“The participation of the people is proof that they want all their problems to be solved through the democratic process,” the information secretary said.
Hanif said that after the election process in Mirpur Division was completed, disruptive elements carried out activities in Rawalakot to influence the next phase of the elections.
“It is the fundamental responsibility of the state to maintain law and order and to continue the democratic process. The state will not only fulfill this responsibility in every possible way but also has the full capacity to do so,” he added.
He further alleged that they had misled innocent people to participate in their protest.
“We appeal to the public to distance themselves from these elements and notices will also be given by the government at the local level so that people can stay away from them so that the state can establish law and order, which is its responsibility,” he said, urging people not to believe or share information from unverified sources.
Hanif also alleged that JAAC used women and children as human shields to further its goals.
He said videos circulating on social media created the impression that the movement was aimed at securing public rights, but claimed that was not the case.
Also read: PML-N secures strong lead in AJK polls, wins 9 out of 13 seats in Mirpur as unofficial results pour in
Addressing the press conference, DIG Kashfi alleged that those spreading unrest under the guise of protest possessed sophisticated weapons and included armed elements who incited attacks on law enforcement agencies.
“Last night, one Rangers personnel was martyred in their firing while five persons, including an officer, were injured,” he said.
Kashfi said law enforcement authorities had shown considerable restraint, but claimed that armed elements had now begun to carry out direct attacks. He further claimed that they initiated the firing while the security forces were only responding in self-defense and to protect the public.
He claimed that the armed elements possessed modern weapons and resources, adding that investigations were also underway on those facilitating them.
“No one should be under the misconception that they can seize control of Rawalakot or any other area by force. Law enforcement agencies will uphold the state’s writ at all costs,” said the DIG.
Sanaullah links AJK violence to banned militant groups
Separately, leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party expressed concern over the violence in the region and called for action against those responsible.
Speaking in private TV program Capital talkalleged PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah that banned elements were behind the unrest.
Read moreHRCP calls for impartial, independent investigation into reports of deaths in Rawalakot clashes
“There are trained members of banned and terrorist organizations in AJK who possess arms. They have no political demands and no issue of public welfare,” he said.
“They want to use ordinary people as human shields to advance their agenda. If law enforcement agencies have taken or will take action there, they have no other option to enforce the law,” Sanaullah added.
Addressing the programme, PPP leader Nasir Hussain Shah said that those responsible for spreading violence should be dealt with strictly but innocent people and women who had been provoked to join the protests should be protected.
“Certainly action must be taken against those who speak against the country or incite the public,” he said.
