Rangers Soldier Martyred in Rawalakot Rangers Attack

RAWALAKOT – (Sraff Reporter/Web Desk) – A Rawalakot Rangers attack has left one Rangers soldier dead and another injured, after armed men linked to the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opened fire on security forces. The incident took place early Tuesday morning near the Matial Maira bus terminal in Rawalakot.

Security sources said the trouble began when armed men opened random gunfire in a civilian area close to the bus stop. This quickly turned into a full JAAC Rangers clash once police and Rangers personnel reached the spot to control the situation.

Police said the banned group had failed to gather public support in recent weeks. Because of this, officials believe the group turned to violence to shift blame onto security forces. Drone cameras reportedly captured the entire incident from above.

When police arrived with backup from security forces, they were met with gunfire. Rangers troops sent to support the police also came under attack. During this exchange, one Rangers soldier lost his life, and another was wounded.

The Rawalakot bus terminal attack did not stop there. Police confirmed that explosives were also used during the clash. This raised serious concerns about how organized and dangerous the group’s actions have become.

Authorities have now launched an operation to clear the area of armed JAAC members and protesters. Police also claimed that some local residents were being held against their will at gunpoint during the unrest.

Officials called this JAAC banned group attack a clear sign of the organization’s violent nature. They said the armed members showed complete disregard for public safety during the confrontation.

This is not the first time the group has clashed with law enforcement. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government banned JAAC on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act, saying the group was involved in terrorism-related activities.

The ban came just days before the group’s planned protest on June 9. That protest had aimed to demand the removal of 12 reserved seats in the AJK assembly. These seats are currently held for refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir who moved to Pakistan after 1947.

Since then, tension between the group and local authorities has grown steadily. Several earlier incidents have already left security personnel dead or wounded, including past attacks near Rawalakot and at a nearby military hospital.

Local residents say the ongoing unrest has created fear and uncertainty in the region. Many are hoping for a quick resolution as security forces continue their operation to restore calm.

For now, officials say the clearance operation is still ongoing. More updates are expected as authorities work to secure the area and identify those responsible for the attack.