Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has likened protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to militant groups that, according to him, were once trained by the state but later turned against it.
Rana Sanaullah claimed the protesters belonged to groups that possess weapons and do not have political demands.
He alleged that the demonstrators were attempting to use civilians as human shields and said there was no alternative to action by law enforcement agencies if required.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Atta Tarar told a press conference that the government would not allow the Kashmir cause to be undermined and would not permit anyone to impose their will through intimidation or violence.
At the same briefing, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry claimed that the Action Committee’s movement was not aimed at securing public rights but at taking them away. He further alleged that both domestic and foreign elements were involved in the violent campaign and that terrorism was being carried out under the cover of protest.
Talal Chaudhry added that weapons have no place in peaceful public demonstrations.
The Action Committee and the protest leadership in Azad Kashmir have not immediately responded publicly to the government’s allegations.
