Authorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of abducting eight members of the highway police who were on election duty. A police spokesperson revealed that the officers are reportedly being held by JAAC and have allegedly faced severe abuse during their captivity. The accusations arise under the backdrop of ongoing protests led by the JAAC, specifically concerning contentious seats in the regional legislative assembly.

The JAAC has vocally claimed that the current establishment manipulates these assembly seats to appoint a prime minister of its choosing. The group has further accused the security forces of launching a severe crackdown in response to the protests that commenced in June 2026. This turmoil has raised significant concerns among the populace, accentuating the tension between the JAAC and state authorities.

Police Response and Warnings

Police spokesperson Khawar Ali Shaukat outlined that the JAAC had allegedly attacked security personnel tasked with maintaining order during the elections. He confirmed, “Eight highway police officials on election duty were abducted,” adding that these individuals are currently in the custody of the JAAC. Shaukat’s comments included strong allegations of ‘brutal abuse’ inflicted upon the abducted officers.

Shaukat emphasised the resilience of the state, stating that it has shown restraint despite provocations and asserting, “The JAAC is not a peaceful group but a violent one intent on challenging the state’s writ.” He issued a stern warning that if the lives of the abducted officials are jeopardised or if threats to their families persist, the state would respond without leniency. This strong stance underscores the tensions surrounding law enforcement and political activism within the region.

The police have appealed to the public to distance themselves from the JAAC, indicating that if state officials continue to be subjected to violence, strict measures will be employed to uphold the law. Shaukat reiterated that the state would carry out its responsibilities in alignment with constitutional principles, signalling a firm approach to maintaining order during this period of unrest.

Background on JAAC and Ongoing Protests

The Joint Awami Action Committee comprises a coalition of various activist groups, including students, traders, legal professionals, and social workers. Since June, the JAAC has staged a series of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, rallying against alleged electoral injustices. Reports from the JAAC claim that over 40 individuals, comprising women and children, have lost their lives since the elections began, alongside assertions of 400 protesters having been killed since the early weeks of June.

In the broader context, India has condemned the elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, describing them as an attempt to obscure Pakistan’s illegal occupation of the region. The Indian government firmly maintains that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India and that Pakistan continues to engage in unlawful and forcible occupation.

As the situation unfolds, police in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remain on high alert. They assert their resolve in confronting the JAAC amid ongoing protests and escalating tensions related to the disputed assembly seats. The accusations regarding the abduction of police officers present a critical point in the ongoing conflict, illustrating the complexities surrounding governance and activism in the region.

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