AJK Police Say 8 Highway Officers Abducted During Election Duty
Azad Jammu and Kashmir police said on Thursday that eight highway police officers assigned to election duty had been abducted amid continuing political tensions in the region.
Police spokesperson SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegation during a televised press conference in Rawalakot. He attributed the incident to the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee, commonly known as JAAC, and called for the immediate release of all eight personnel.
Police appeal for safe release
Shaukat said authorities had exercised restraint but would respond under the law if any officer was harmed. His remarks framed the episode as a serious challenge to public order during an already sensitive election period.
No independently verified account from JAAC was available in the report reviewed by Sial News. Claims about responsibility and the treatment of personnel therefore remain attributed to AJK police.
Election tensions remain high
AJK has been holding elections in phases while protests and political disagreements continue. JAAC has demanded changes to seats reserved in the regional legislature for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir.
Clashes between protesters and law-enforcement personnel were reported in Rawalakot and Mirpur in late July, adding pressure on officials responsible for polling security.
What happens next
Authorities are expected to focus on locating the officers, securing their release and preventing further violence. Public cooperation and verified information will remain important as election activity continues.
Sial News will update the report if authorities announce a recovery, arrests or a formal response from the accused group.
