RAWALAKOT – The negotiations between the government and a banned action committee ended successfully, leading to the postponement of the group’s planned march towards Muzaffarabad until July 21, the official sources said on Thursday.
The sources said the decision to defer the march was made after government representatives assured the committee that its demands would be addressed through dialogue.
A leader of the banned committee said the group had agreed to postpone the protest in view of the government’s assurances. However, he warned that if the promised commitments were not fulfilled, the march towards Muzaffarabad would begin on July 22.
The breakthrough came after violent clashes were reported in Rawalakot involving armed members of the banned Joint Action Committee.
According to the official sources, armed groups allegedly opened fire near the Matial Mehra Bus Terminal in Rawalakot earlier in the day, targeting both security personnel and civilians. Police responding to the incident also came under attack while attempting to restore law and order.
Reinforcements from the Pakistan Rangers were subsequently deployed to assist the police. During the exchange of fire, one Rangers personnel was martyred and another was injured, officials said.
The authorities have not released further details about the security operation or any arrests made in connection with the incident.
The successful negotiations have temporarily eased tensions in the region, although authorities continue to monitor the security situation closely ahead of the new deadline announced by the committee.
