Awami Action Committee kidnaps 8 Pakistani policemen in Kashmir

International Desk

The Awami Action Committee has been accused of kidnapping eight policemen while they were on election duty in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Azad Kashmir Police spokesperson Khawar Ali Shawkat gave this information at a press conference on Thursday (August 13).

Police said that eight highway policemen were abducted by Awami Action Committee members after an attack on security personnel deployed for election duty. The police also alleged that they were tortured while in their custody. They also alleged that the family members of the kidnapped policemen were threatened with death.

Police spokesman Khawar Ali Shawkat said there was no room for challenging the authority of the state through violence and misdeeds. “Strict action will be taken if harm to law enforcement officers or threats to their families continue,” he said.

He urged the general public to stay away from provocative activities. He claimed that recent incidents prove that the Awami Action Committee is not a peaceful organization; rather, it is trying to weaken state institutions through violence.

The police officer also said that there is no scope for violent activities in the name of achieving rights. He also claimed that the participation of local people in the elections proves that they have no connection with the Awami Action Committee.

Political tensions and protests have been rife in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in recent weeks over a dispute over reserved seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The situation has been further complicated by allegations of abductions of police personnel on election duty.