Four police officers killed as banned JAAC militants open fire in Rawalakot

On June 7–8 in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, activists of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opened fire on police, killing four law‑enforcement personnel and injuring more than 20 others. The clash also resulted in the deaths of three JAAC members, bringing the total fatality count to seven.

The gunbattle spread to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalakot, where militants attempted to seize the facility, disrupting medical services. Security forces conducted a coordinated operation to retake the hospital and restore order. Authorities said the banned JAAC deliberately targeted police to destabilise the region, citing a recent ban on the group under anti‑terrorism legislation and ongoing negotiations with a high‑level government committee.

The incident follows earlier JAAC protests that turned violent and underscores tensions ahead of upcoming elections in Azad Kashmir.