RAWALKOT: The law enforcement agencies, while displaying utmost professionalism, restraint and responsibility, lifted the siege of CMH Rawalakot in a very organized, targeted and limited operation on the intervening night of June 08.
During the operation, the safety of citizens, patients, medical staff, and government property was given top priority. The siege of the hospital has been completely cleared and all medical services have been restored as usual.
The administration of Azad Jammu Kashmir clarified that the violent clashes in Rawalakot originated when miscreants of the banned Awami Action Committee attacked security forces and set fire to government properties.
On the evening of June 07, violent and armed elements of the Prohibited Action Committee, in an attempt to disrupt the law and order situation in Rawalakot, opened fire on law enforcement agencies in a planned manner and later laid siege to CMH Rawalakot, which severely affected the normal medical services and treatment activities of the hospital. The armed and enraged miscreants set fire at various places and damaged government and private properties.
Four law enforcement officials have been martyred in the firing by violent elements while several others have been injured. During this time, 3 members of the banned Action Committee lost their lives due to their own indiscriminate firing, while several others were injured. The three deceased include those killed on the night of June 5/6.
The miscreants have been dispersed, law and order has been restored, most of the highways are open for traffic, and markets and commercial centres are functioning as per local norms.
The Azad Kashmir Police and other law enforcement agencies are performing their responsibilities for the protection of life and property of the people and the establishment of the state writ in a commendable manner, and their services are commendable.
The funeral prayers of the sons of the country who lost their lives will soon be offered with utmost respect and full state honours. Legal action is underway against the armed and violent miscreants of the Banned Action Committee and we once again reiterate our resolve that the leaders and activists who spread chaos will soon be brought to justice.
The public is urged to refrain from participating in any activities of the Banned Action Committee or its affiliates, not to believe in rumours and misleading propaganda, and to rely only on information released from authentic official sources. Factual information regarding the situation will continue to be shared with the public.
Read also: Rawalakot police arrest RAW operative in major operation
