Rawalakot, Pakistan – Web Desk: Security forces have taken control of the city of Rawalakot in Azad Jammu and Kashmir following escalating tensions and recent violent clashes, according to local authorities.
Police and law enforcement agencies dispersed protesters gathered near Supply Bazaar and the Combined Military Hospital (CMH). Markets and shops across the city remained closed, while traffic was largely absent from major roads.
Authorities have established security checkpoints on all entry routes into Rawalakot as part of heightened security measures aimed at maintaining law and order.
According to the spokesperson for the Inspector General of Police, Azad Kashmir, armed members of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee allegedly attempted to disrupt public order on June 7 and opened fire on law enforcement personnel in a coordinated attack.
The spokesperson said armed individuals also surrounded CMH Rawalakot, disrupting medical services and hospital operations. Security forces later conducted a targeted operation during the night of June 7-8, successfully ending the siege while prioritizing the safety of civilians, patients, medical staff, and public property.
Officials said normal medical services at the hospital have now been restored.
Police stated that four law enforcement personnel have been killed in firing incidents since June 6, including three Rawalakot police officers and one Frontier Constabulary official, while several others were injured.
Authorities further claimed that three members of the banned committee were killed and several others wounded during exchanges of fire.
The developments come after the Azad Kashmir government recently declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee a banned organization. The group had announced a strike for June 9.
