TTAP Condemns Force in AJK Unrest, Seeks Talks
The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) on Monday condemned the alleged use of force by state authorities against unarmed civilians in the AJK unrest, calling the reported loss of life and suppression of public demands unacceptable.
The opposition alliance urged immediate negotiations with protesters to end the violence and the AJK unrest. It said the government had first chosen to talk to the JAAC but then moved to suppress the movement instead of acting on its demands.
“Firing on unarmed civilians, the loss of human lives and the suppression of public voices are unacceptable under any circumstances,” the alliance said in a statement. “The state’s responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to allow them to be killed at the hands of its own institutions.”
The statement comes as Rawalakot remains gripped by unrest, with alleged clashes between security forces and supporters of the JAAC, the rights group the AJK government proscribed in June.
Delegation stopped at Kahuta
TTAP said a senior delegation heading to AJK to meet protesters, show solidarity and assess the situation was stopped at Kahuta and turned back.
“This action not only restricts political and democratic activities and the right to freedom of movement but also raises concerns about the government’s intentions,” the statement said. “There is no justification for preventing a peaceful political delegation from reaching the protesters.”
The alliance demanded the bodies of those allegedly killed be handed to their families without delay, transparent and impartial investigations into reported civilian deaths, immediate medical treatment for the injured, and compensation for damage to public and private property.
Rangers naik dies of injuries in Rawalakot
Meanwhile, a Sindh Rangers naik who was wounded in firing at an AJK police post in Rawalakot on November 5 died of his injuries on Sunday, the AJK Police spokesperson said.
The deceased, Naik Bostan Khan, was from Kohat district and served with the Sindh Rangers. He had been deployed with AJK Police at their request to help maintain law and order in the region.
AJK Police said they grieved his death and offered condolences to his family.
JAAC council calls for end to force, independent probe
The Advisory Council of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee has voiced grave concern over the tense situation in Rawalakot and nearby areas, urging an immediate end to firing, an independent investigation and talks between the government and the committee.
In a statement on November 8, the council said peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and public participation were democratic rights. It sought the immediate return of the bodies of those killed to their families, safe medical treatment for the injured, restoration of mobile and internet services and a verified list of detainees.
It also proposed a joint fact-finding delegation and a first government-JAAC meeting within 24 hours at a neutral venue.
AJK unrest: how the crisis reached this point
The unrest grows out of a long JAAC protest movement for constitutional and governance reforms — scrapping 12 refugee-reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, ending privileges for the political elite and changing the quota system.
Tensions rose after the AJK government proscribed the JAAC on June 6, ahead of a planned long march on June 9. The government said 35 of the committee’s 38 demands had been accepted, yet the group allegedly attacked state personnel and assets. On June 11, it brought back 177 FIRs against JAAC members.
Things worsened further in July, when clashes in Rawalakot caused casualties and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan sought an independent investigation. In August, the PML-N formed a government after winning a majority in the AJK elections, with Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani elected prime minister. Tensions have continued since, with protests and clashes in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad.
A former AJK prime minister has already urged the authorities to act before it is too late in Rawalakot, while TTAP’s opposition movement may be led by Fazl as the alliance steps up its campaign. AJK has also ordered all weapon licence holders to register within 10 days as the authorities try to restore order.
The Express Tribune said it could not independently verify the claims made by either side, and with mobile and internet services disrupted in the area, confirmed facts remain scarce.
Frequently asked questions
What did TTAP say about the AJK unrest?
TTAP condemned the alleged use of force against unarmed civilians in AJK, called the reported loss of life unacceptable and demanded immediate negotiations with protesters, along with transparent investigations into civilian deaths.
Why was the TTAP delegation stopped?
TTAP said its high-level delegation, travelling to AJK to meet protesters and assess the situation, was stopped at Kahuta and not allowed to proceed. The alliance called the move a restriction on political activity and freedom of movement.
Who was Naik Bostan Khan?
Naik Bostan Khan was a Sindh Rangers soldier from Kohat district who was injured in firing at an AJK police post in Rawalakot on November 5. He died of his injuries on Sunday, according to the AJK Police spokesperson.
What is the JAAC council demanding?
The JAAC Advisory Council has called for an immediate end to firing, an independent investigation, restoration of mobile and internet services, a verified list of detainees and negotiations between the government and the committee within 24 hours.
What is behind the AJK unrest?
The unrest stems from a JAAC-led protest movement seeking constitutional and governance reforms, including abolishing 12 refugee-reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. The AJK government proscribed the JAAC on June 6, and clashes have continued since, including the firing at an AJK police post in Rawalakot on November 5.
