MUZAFFARABAD/RAWALAKOT – Pakistani security forces arrested cross border-trained sniper during a targeted operation in Azad Kashmir as the region witnessed fresh security challenge after alleged attack on security checkpoint left Rangers soldier martyred and two police personnel injured.
The arrested suspect recently entered Pakistan from abroad and was allegedly a trained sniper. The individual was taken into custody during a timely operation in Azad Kashmir, and authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine his purpose of arrival, possible links, and involvement in any potential activities.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region in wake of violent incidents allegedly involving the banned Awami Action Committee after culmination of Azad Kashmir polling.
Rawalakot Police said members of the banned organization attempted to move towards Rawalakot in the form of a long march. Officials said that when they were stopped, firing was carried out, resulting in injuries to two police personnel. In a separate incident, armed individuals allegedly attacked security checkpoint on the outskirts of Rawalakot, where Rangers soldier Ali Raza embraced martyrdom while defending the post.
Security officials have condemned the attacks, stating that the incidents represent a serious challenge to law and order in the region. The situation intensified after alleged statements from the banned committee’s X account surfaced, in which the group reportedly criticized prominent figures of Azad Kashmir’s history, including Sardar Ibrahim Khan and Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan.
The posts allegedly questioned the role of these leaders in the region’s history, accusing them of supporting the division of the former state and linking them to the accession of a part of Kashmir to Pakistan. The statements also reportedly included opposition to the partition of the subcontinent and references to the slogan of “Akhand Bharat”, triggering strong reactions from officials and political circles.
After controversial posts and violent incidents, authorities alleged that banned committee had moved beyond protests and was now involved in spreading anti-state narratives and encouraging unrest. Officials claimed that the group’s activities and online messaging indicated an attempt to create instability in the region, while investigations into its alleged links and funding sources continue.
