RAWALAKOT – Fresh violence erupted as armed attacks took life of Rangers official and left 11 security personnel injured amid standoff involving banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
A Rangers official was martyred and at least 11 security personnel were injured on Tuesday after separate attacks disrupted security operations aimed at restoring public movement and clearing blocked roads in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), according to official sources.
Firing by Proscribed JAAC New Bus Stand Rawlakot 🚨🚨
Having failed to rally public on their violent agenda in preceding weeks, early morning on 14 July JAAC armed anarchists started indiscriminate firing in civil areas near New Bus Terminal so as to point blame on police and… https://t.co/OxAlrfABob pic.twitter.com/gLcoR2l0Km
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) July 14, 2026
Authorities alleged that armed supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) launched coordinated attacks on civilians and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot while resisting an operation to reopen the strategically important Kotli-Tatarkhel highway.
Officials said the first incident unfolded near the Matial Mira bus terminal in Rawalakot on the morning of July 14, when armed men allegedly opened fire in a civilian area before targeting police officers responding to restore order.
Rangers personnel moved in to reinforce the police, they also came under heavy gunfire from attackers reportedly equipped with modern weapons. During the exchange, Rangers official Naik Imtiyaz Ali embraced martyrdom while performing his duty.
Security forces launched a clearance drive in Baloch Bazaar to dismantle barricades allegedly erected by armed groups on the Kotli-Tatarkhel highway. Officials said the blockade had crippled public transport and disrupted the movement of food, medicines and other essential supplies, leaving residents stranded.
Local authorities and security personnel faced intense resistance as they attempted to remove the obstructions. The operation came under armed attack, leaving at least 11 members of the security forces injured. Officials said the clearance operation remained underway, with authorities determined to restore traffic, secure transport routes and ensure uninterrupted access for residents and supply vehicles.
Security analysts described the reported use of sophisticated weapons and explosives as a sign of organised and premeditated violence, urging authorities to pursue those responsible through strict legal action.
AJK government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee in June, citing threats to public order and security. The group had been campaigning against reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees while demanding broader political and economic reforms.
The ban followed deadly clashes in Rawalakot earlier in June that left both civilians and law enforcement personnel dead. Authorities accused armed JAAC supporters of attacking security forces, while the committee rejected the allegations, insisting its demonstrations were peaceful and claiming security personnel had opened fire on protesters.
JAAC acted in line with Indian agenda in AJK, say sources citing senior security official
