Get the latest news and updates from Dawn
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif on Monday said that seven law enforcement personnel, including those of police and Rangers, were martyred during recent unrest in the region.
The now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been demanding the abolishment of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir, has been holding protests in the region for several weeks now.
Clashes took place between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur last week, which reportedly resulted in several casualties. Amid the tensions, elections are being held across the region in three phases, with those in Mirpur (July 27) and Muzaffarabad divisions (Aug 2) marred by rigging allegations by the PPP.
In a televised address on Monday, Hanif recalled a press conference held on July 27 where a police official presented weapons allegedly recovered from JAAC members.
