Normal life is continuing in Rawalakot, as in other parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following a brief disturbance that was swiftly brought under control, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.
According to the report, a group described by authorities as miscreants associated with a banned action committee attempted to disrupt law and order in Rawalakot on the evening of 7 June.
The report stated that security personnel dispersed those involved and subsequently restored peace and stability in the area.
Authorities said the situation is now fully under control and that daily life has returned to normal.
Educational institutions, commercial centres and social activities are continuing without disruption.
Residents have reportedly resumed their routine activities across the city.
The report further stated that the Azad Kashmir Police and other law enforcement agencies are continuing efforts to protect the lives and property of citizens while ensuring the writ of the state is maintained.
According to the channel, residents of Rawalakot, like other districts of AJK, largely rejected the protest call and continued with their normal routines despite attempts to mobilise demonstrations.
AFP reported seven people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes between police and members of a banned activist group in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, officials said on Monday.
Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a movement demanding economic and governance reforms, had vowed to press ahead with protests days after the local government banned the group under anti-terrorism laws.
Commissioner Sardar Waheed, the top civilian official in the city of Rawalakot, where the latest clashes took place, told AFP three civilians were killed and 40 wounded.
Police confirmed in a statement that the incident left four officers dead and 23 wounded.
Police said that the JAAC’s central office was sealed on Sunday and a ban on large gatherings was imposed in Muzaffarabad, the largest city in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Markets were open in Muzaffarabad while law enforcement agencies were patrolling the city on Monday after residents had rushed over the weekend to shops to stock up ahead of expected protests and lockdowns.
Members of the banned JAAC have called their listing as a “terror” group “oppression”, saying they are demonstrating for legitimate economic and political rights.
Authorities confirmed more than 70 JAAC members had been arrested over the weekend.
