Four personnel of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police were allegedly abducted by members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) while travelling to Rawalakot for duty, police said on Sunday.
The officers were identified as Selection Grade Constable Shahid Shafiq, Selection Grade Constable Muhammad Sagheer, Constable Muhammad Ishtiaq and Constable Zeeshan Ishaq.
Police officials said the four officers were travelling from their homes to Rawalakot when they were intercepted and allegedly taken into custody by JAAC members. According to the authorities, the policemen remain in captivity.
Authorities said an investigation had been launched to secure the officers’ release and initiate legal proceedings against those allegedly involved in the incident.
Officials linked the alleged abduction to the aftermath of a sit-in in Rawalakot, saying the protest failed to draw substantial public support. They alleged that some JAAC members subsequently engaged in unlawful activities and attempted to disturb public order in the region.
Police officials further claimed that the same group had previously abducted an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), subjected him to severe torture, and was also involved in an attack on the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).
Earlier, officials said the banned Joint Awami Action Committee’s chief, Umar Nazeer, had allegedly issued public threats against traders across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.