A major security operation was carried out in Rawalakot after armed and violent members of a banned action committee allegedly attacked law enforcement personnel and attempted to disrupt public order, according to a statement issued by Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The Rawalakot firing incident began on the evening of June 7, when armed individuals reportedly opened fire on law enforcement personnel in a planned attack. The group later surrounded CMH Rawalakot, severely affecting routine medical services and patient care at the hospital. Authorities said the attackers also set fire to several locations and damaged public and private property.
Law enforcement agencies launched a carefully planned and limited operation during the night of June 7 and 8 to end the siege of the hospital. Officials said the safety of civilians, patients, medical staff and public property remained the top priority throughout the operation.
The hospital siege was successfully cleared, and all medical services have now resumed as normal.
According to the police statement, four members of law enforcement agencies were martyred in the violence, including three personnel from AJK Police and one member of the Frontier Constabulary. Several other officers sustained injuries.
Authorities also said that three members of the banned action committee were killed as a result of indiscriminate firing by their own group, while several others were injured. One of those fatalities reportedly occurred during earlier clashes on the night of June 5 and 6.
Officials stated that the violent elements have been dispersed and that law and order has been restored in the area. Most highways have reopened to traffic, while markets and commercial centres have resumed normal business activities.
The police praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies, saying they acted with professionalism, restraint and responsibility while carrying out their duties to protect lives, property and public order.
Funeral prayers for the martyred personnel will be offered with full state honours. Legal action against those involved in the violence is continuing, and authorities said those responsible for spreading unrest will be brought before the law.
Police also urged the public to avoid participating in activities linked to the banned action committee, ignore rumours and misleading propaganda, and rely only on official sources for verified information. Authorities said factual updates on the situation will continue to be shared with the public.