One Ranger martyred, another injured in banned Awami Action Committee attack during clearance operation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
File photo
By The South Asia Times
MUZAFFARABAD, Azad Jammu and Kashmir – A Pakistan Rangers soldier was martyred and another seriously injured on Wednesday when armed elements of banned Awami Action Committee opened fire on law enforcement personnel during a road clearance operation in the Sarsawa–Thorar–Thal Circle, according to an official press release.
The attack occurred during an operation to clear roads that had been blocked for an extended period. The armed group, identified by officials as associates of the proscribed Awami Action Committee, made indiscriminate use of automatic weapons, including sniper fire, against security forces.
Ranger soldier Sepoy Shahnawaz was martyred after sustaining a bullet wound to the chest, while Lance Naik Bilal was seriously injured after being shot in the shoulder. The martyred personnel, Sepoy Shahnawaz, hailed from Khairpur, Sindh.
The clearance operation was launched in response to strong demands from local residents facing severe disruptions to daily life. Road blockades in the area had severely restricted movement and transportation, raising concerns over potential food shortages and access to essential supplies.
The Awami Action Committee was formally banned by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government under the AJK Anti-Terrorism Act in June 2026. Authorities have accused the group of moving beyond peaceful protest activities and engaging in actions that threaten public order and state security.
Security sources have described the attack as a planned act of terrorism, citing the use of sophisticated weapons and organised sniper fire against law enforcement personnel. The AJK police spokesperson has confirmed that the clearance operation will continue until all road blockages are removed and transportation routes are fully restored.
The martyred soldier's sacrifice has underscored the dangers faced by security personnel carrying out operations to restore civilian access to essential routes and services.
