Clashes Erupt in AJK as Government Launches Clearance Operation

Islamabad, Pakistan Jul 15, 2026 ALN: • Poonch DC says two security personnel martyred in separate incidents
• Seven protesters lose their lives
• Home secy vows to remove all hurdles to free movement of people, supplies created by JAAC

MUZAFFARABAD: As the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) vowed to clear all obstacles that were preventing the free movement of people and goods in the region, at least two law enforcers were martyred, while seven activists of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) lost their lives in separate clashes on Tuesday.

The clashes took place in Poonch division, a day before the JAAC’s planned “long march” towards Muzaffarabad. Last week, the outfit had given the government until July 14 to address their demands, failing which, they had announced plans to march on the AJK capital today (Wednesday).

The first clash occurred on Tuesday morning when law enforcement personnel raided Mutyalmera, on the outskirts of Rawalakot, following what officials described as intelligence about a large cache of weapons and ammunition allegedly stored in a house.

However, officials said they encountered resistance from JAAC supporters, leading to an exchange of fire. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between state authorities and local activist groups in AJK, particularly as the JAAC has been vocal in its opposition to government policies.

Mutyalmera is one of around half a dozen locations on the outskirts of Rawalakot where JAAC activists and supporters have been maintaining relatively small protest camps. The alliance’s main sit-in, attended by its senior leadership, has been continuing at the Eidgah ground, serving as a focal point for their demands and grievances against the government.

Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan reported that one protester lost his life, while a Rangers man was martyred in the exchange of fire. This loss of life underscores the volatility of the situation and the potential for further escalation as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

The second confrontation took place in Baloch, a tehsil of Sudhnoti district, where protesters blocked a convoy of law enforcement personnel heading towards Trarkhal. The Poonch DC said that hundreds of protesters, some of whom were armed, pelted the convoy with stones, triggering violent clashes. In the ensuing skirmish, one policeman was martyred, while at least seven protesters lost their lives. The identities of the deceased protesters could not immediately be ascertained, reflecting the chaotic nature of the confrontations.

In a statement issued later in the day, AJK police said operatives of the proscribed JAAC had erected blockades at various points along the Kotli-Trarkhal highway, disrupting traffic and the supply of essential commodities. This blockade strategy has been a hallmark of JAAC's protests, aimed at drawing attention to their demands and exerting pressure on the government.

The statement elaborated that law enforcement personnel had launched a clearance operation to reopen the highway and restore the movement of traffic and supplies when “armed groups of the proscribed JAAC opened unprovoked and indiscriminate fire on security personnel” at Baithak Baloch. It confirmed that at least one police constable was martyred in the exchange, while around eight other law enforcers and a couple of Public Works Department employees suffered injuries. Such incidents have raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement in volatile regions and the risks they face while attempting to maintain order.

Police stated that the situation had been brought under control, adding that operations to clear blocked highways and ensure the uninterrupted movement of traffic and essential supplies would continue. However, the ongoing operations could further inflame tensions, as JAAC supporters may view these actions as oppressive and retaliatory.

Home secretary’s presser

At a separate press conference in Muzaffarabad, AJK Special Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain stated that the operation had been launched to remove road blockades erected by the proscribed JAAC at various entry and exit points of the region and would continue until all major routes were reopened. This declaration signals the government's determination to assert control over the situation, despite the risks of backlash from the JAAC and its supporters.

Hussain emphasized the government's commitment to protecting lives and property and restoring normal economic, educational, and commercial activities across AJK. This underscores the broader implications of the unrest, as ongoing violence and protests can severely disrupt daily life and hinder economic progress in the region.

Referring to Tuesday’s violence, Hussain claimed that armed JAAC activists had opened fire on law enforcement personnel during a clearance operation, prompting a response. “The state will not accept any threat or blackmail, and all blackmailers will be treated with an iron hand,” he warned. This rhetoric indicates a hardline stance from the government, which may escalate tensions further if JAAC perceives this as a declaration of war against their movement.

During the press conference, Hussain mentioned that JAAC leader Khwaja Mehran had again given a 48-hour deadline to close all entry points to the state. This ultimatum reflects the ongoing power struggle between the JAAC and the AJK government, as each side seeks to assert its authority and legitimacy.

However, Hussain also claimed that the majority of the population had distanced itself from the JAAC and that it did not have the “power to close the entry points and paralyse the state.” This assertion may be an attempt to undermine the JAAC's influence and rally public support against their activities.

He also noted that higher educational institutions, including medical colleges, had reopened across the region and that banking operations had been restored after recent disruptions. This is a significant development, as educational and financial stability are crucial for the long-term growth of AJK and the well-being of its residents.

Asked about the JAAC’s planned long march, the Poonch DC said security forces were fully prepared to prevent the protesters from entering Rawalakot, which has remained under curfew since early last month. The imposition of curfews is often a controversial measure, as it can restrict civil liberties and exacerbate tensions between the government and the populace.

Elsewhere in AJK, however, daily life largely continued as normal. Markets remained open and witnessed a steady flow of shoppers, indicating that not all areas are experiencing the same level of unrest. This divergence in experiences may contribute to differing perceptions of the JAAC's actions and the government's response among the population.

The government also allowed additional bank branches to resume operations in selected areas, where customers were seen queuing to carry out financial transactions. This resumption of services is crucial for the economic stability of the region, particularly in light of the ongoing protests and unrest.

Internet services, however, remain suspended across the region, disrupting online education and affecting the livelihoods of those dependent on digital connectivity. The suspension of internet services is a common tactic used by governments during times of unrest, but it can have far-reaching implications for education, business, and communication.

A division bench of the AJK High Court is scheduled to hear two petitions challenging the suspension of internet services tomorrow (Thursday). This legal scrutiny reflects the ongoing tensions between the government’s need for order and the citizens’ rights to access information and communicate freely. The outcome of these petitions could have significant implications for the future of digital rights in AJK and the government's approach to managing dissent.