ISLAMABAD: The government Azad Kashmir has requested thousands of additional federal security personnel, citing a deteriorating law and order situation and rising violent protests.
The Azad Kashmir government, in an official letter sent to the Interior Ministry, requested the deployment of 4,000 personnel from the Federal Constabulary and seven wings of the Pakistan Rangers to help restore order across the region.
In the letter, the government said violent activities by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee had posed a serious threat to public order across the territory.
It said prolonged sit-ins and protests in the districts of Poonch and Rawalakot had disrupted daily life, while organized attempts to undermine law and order were continuing in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur.
The government alleged that armed individuals had targeted law enforcement personnel and civilians during the unrest.
According to the letter, four security personnel were killed and 174 others were seriously injured in the violence.
It also said vehicles transporting essential food supplies had been set on fire.
The AJK government described the deployment of additional security forces as essential to maintaining the writ of the state and protecting the public.
It requested that half of the additional personnel be equipped with weapons and ammunition, while the remaining half be provided with riot-control equipment to respond to violent demonstrations.
The government urged the federal authorities to deploy the requested forces immediately and provide the necessary equipment without delay.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the AJK chief secretary and the inspector general of police.
