TTAP condemns alleged use of force against civilians in AJK, calls for immediate talks

The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) on Monday condemned the alleged use of force by state authorities against unarmed civilians in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), describing the reported loss of life and suppression of public demands as unacceptable, and called for immediate negotiations with protesters to quell the unrest and end the violence.

The statement comes as Rawalakot is currently gripped by unrest amid alleged clashes between security forces and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) rights group, with casualties reported.

In a statement issued on the situation in AJK, the alliance said the government had initially opted to negotiate with the JAAC but later chose to suppress the movement instead of making practical progress on its demands.

“Firing on unarmed civilians, the loss of human lives and the suppression of public voices are unacceptable under any circumstances,” the statement said.

“The state’s responsibility is to protect its citizens, not to allow them to be killed at the hands of its own institutions,” it added.

The alliance said a high-level TTAP delegation travelling to AJK to meet protesters, express solidarity with them and assess the situation had been stopped at Kahuta and not allowed to proceed.

“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 and its attempt to keep political leadership and the public away from the ground realities,” the statement said.

“There is no justification for preventing a peaceful political delegation from reaching the protesters. The government must explain this decision, which it has yet to do,” it added.

The TTAP called for immediate and meaningful negotiations with the protesters and practical progress on their demands.

It demanded that the bodies of all those allegedly killed by state forces be handed over to their families without delay. It also called for transparent and impartial investigations into reported civilian deaths and the use of force to identify those responsible.

The alliance urged the authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured and ensure that arrested individuals had access to justice in accordance with legal requirements. It also demanded compensation for damage to public and private property.

Read: PML-N’s ex-AJK PM Raja Haider appeals to authorities to ‘intervene before it’s too late’ in Rawalakot

The statement called for the TTAP delegation and other political and social representatives to be given unrestricted access to affected people and protesters in AJK.

“Using force to suppress public protests, making unnecessary arrests and taking measures that could lead to further bloodshed must stop immediately,” it said.

The alliance said using force instead of addressing public demands, withdrawing from negotiations and restricting the movement of political representatives would further aggravate the situation.

“The government must refrain from such actions and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property,” it said.

The TTAP said the people of AJK were not alone and pledged to raise its voice at every constitutional and legal forum to protect their constitutional, democratic and fundamental rights.

“There can be no justification for suppressing the voice of public rights through state force or taking the lives of innocent citizens. Preventing further bloodshed, ensuring justice for those killed and resolving public demands through negotiations are the government’s immediate responsibilities,” the statement said.

Sindh Rangers Naik succumbs to injuries sustained in Rawalakot firing

Meanwhile, a Naik of the Sindh Rangers who was injured in firing at an AJK police post in Rawalakot on Nov 5 died of his injuries on Sunday, the AJK Police spokesperson said in a statement.

The deceased, identified as Naik Bostan Khan, belonged to Kohat district and was serving with the Sindh Rangers. He had been deployed alongside AJK Police at the latter’s request to assist in maintaining law and order in the region.

Also Read: AJK orders registration of all weapon licences within 10 days

It said law enforcement personnel were making sacrifices while carrying out their responsibilities to protect people’s lives and property and maintain law and order. Naik Bostan Khan’s death was among those sacrifices, it added.

The AJK Police expressed grief over his death and extended condolences to his family.

“Such cowardly acts cannot undermine the morale of law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.

It added that the state remained committed to protecting the public, restoring law and order and ensuring the rule of law.

Those involved in attacks on law enforcement personnel would be brought to justice in accordance with the law, the statement said.

JAAC council calls for end to force, independent probe

The Advisory Council of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has expressed grave concern over the tense situation in Rawalakot and surrounding areas, calling for an immediate end to firing, an independent investigation into the incidents and negotiations between the government and the committee.

In a statement, the council said peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and public participation were democratic rights, adding that alleged wrongdoing by individuals should not be used to justify collective force against an entire community or demonstrators.

It urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid violence and refrain from actions or statements that could heighten tensions.

The council called for the immediate return of the bodies of those killed to their families, along with formal condolences and appropriate support. It also demanded safe and non-discriminatory medical treatment for the injured, restoration of mobile and internet services, and a verified list of detainees, including their places of detention and legal status.

It further called for safe access to peaceful assembly, media coverage, legal assistance and impartial human rights monitoring.

The advisory council urged the political leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Bar Council, bar associations, civil society, media and human rights representatives to form an impartial, credible and unarmed joint delegation without delay.

It said it was ready to facilitate a national fact-finding and reconciliation delegation’s visit to Rawalakot.

The proposed delegation would visit the sit-in and affected areas, hear from protesters, residents, injured people, bereaved families and relevant authorities, and preserve evidence relating to deaths, injuries, arrests, alleged use of weapons and damage to property.

The council proposed that the delegation issue a preliminary public report within 48 hours, outlining established facts, urgent recommendations and disputed matters. It should also help establish communication between the parties and facilitate negotiations.

The statement called for an independent, impartial, transparent and time-bound investigation into all deaths, injuries, arrests and allegations of unlawful force, armed activity or incitement. It said the investigation’s terms, evidence-preservation arrangements and deadline for publication should be defined in writing, adding that no allegation should be treated as established without verifiable evidence.

For negotiations, the council proposed that the government and the Joint Awami Action Committee nominate authorised delegations and hold an initial meeting within 24 hours at a mutually acceptable neutral venue. The parties should agree on an agenda, record decisions in writing and set implementation deadlines.

It also urged political leaders to hear directly from affected residents and protest representatives rather than rely solely on closed-door briefings.

The advisory council said it did not support hatred, threats or retaliation against any person, party or institution.

“Our sole purpose is to protect life, uphold the rule of law, establish the facts impartially and secure a dignified political solution,” it said.

“A peaceful route remains available, and every party has a duty to take it before further loss of life occurs,” the statement added.

It urged all sides not to allow disagreements to turn into enmity or protests to escalate into confrontation, saying human life, civic dignity, the rule of law and collective peace must come first.

The unrest in AJK stems from a prolonged protest movement led by the JAAC for constitutional and governance reforms, including the abolition of 12 refugee-reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, an end to privileges for the political elite and changes to the quota system.

Tensions escalated after the AJK government proscribed the JAAC on June 6, ahead of a planned long march and protest on June 9. The government said 35 of the committee’s 38 demands had been accepted or implemented, yet they allegedly resorted to a series of violent attacks on state-backed personnel and assets.

“The Government of AJ&K has reasonable grounds to believe that Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JK-JAAC), also known by the names Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and Awami Action Committee (AAC), is engaged in terrorism,” the notification stated.

Read More: Tarar alleges JAAC behind AJK unrest, claims group backed by Indian funding

On June 11, the government reinstated 177 FIRs against JAAC members, withdrawing concessions previously granted under an October 4, 2025 agreement. Authorities accused the committee of violating the agreement by returning to street protests.

The situation further deteriorated in July, when clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot resulted in casualties. The HRCP subsequently called for an independent investigation as the two sides presented conflicting narratives.

In August, the PML-N formed a government in the region after securing a majority in the AJK elections, with Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani elected as the prime minister.

However, tensions have persisted despite the formation of a new government, with protests and clashes reported in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad. The Express Tribune could not independently verify the authenticity of the claims.