Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif accused a banned action committee of carrying out violent activities, attacking police, and raising slogans against the state and its institutions. Speaking at a press conference in Muzaffarabad, he alleged the group’s actions caused widespread disruption and significant financial losses. Authorities also urged the public to reject calls for strikes and protests.
Rashid Hanif claimed the group’s supporters blocked roads by felling trees, assaulted police personnel, and used women and children during demonstrations. He alleged that markets in Hajira were forcibly shut while trucks carrying food supplies were looted. According to him, 79 first information reports (FIRs) have been registered against the group’s leaders and activists over various incidents.
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The information secretary further alleged that the group received support from anti-Pakistan elements, including overseas activist Amjad Ayub Mirza. He said violent protests over the past month caused an estimated Rs15 billion in losses to the region. Hanif also claimed the government had already provided substantial subsidies on flour and electricity to address public concerns.
Detailing past incidents, Hanif alleged that protesters attacked government offices, set official vehicles on fire, seized weapons from security personnel, and assaulted police officers in several areas. He also claimed the group used mosques to make announcements and circulated misleading images related to Gaza and Indian-administered Kashmir as part of its campaign. The allegations have not been independently verified.
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Meanwhile, AJK Deputy Inspector General of Police Irfan Masood alleged that three women died after road blockades in Hajira delayed access to medical treatment. He also claimed protesters assaulted civilians and security personnel while carrying weapons during demonstrations. Police urged the group’s leadership to surrender to authorities, while officials said efforts would continue to reopen blocked roads and restore normal life.