The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has condemned the reported use of force against civilians in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and called for an immediate halt to violence and meaningful negotiations with protesters.

The call came as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police said on Monday that Sindh Rangers Naik Bostan Khan, who was injured in firing at a police post in Rawalakot on 5 November, had died of his injuries.

Bostan Khan belonged to Kohat district and had been deployed with AJK Police at its request to help maintain law and order in the region. AJK Police expressed grief and condolences to his family and said those involved in attacks on law enforcement personnel would be brought to justice.

Who was Naik Bostan Khan

Naik Bostan Khan was serving in the Sindh Rangers when he was sent to Azad Kashmir to support the local police. According to an AJK Police spokesperson, he was seriously injured when armed men opened fire at a police post in Rawalakot on 5 November.

Police said the attack was carried out by armed members of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The spokesperson said such attacks undermined peace and stability in the region, while security personnel continued to risk their lives to protect the public.

AJK Police said the soldier's sacrifice was part of the ongoing sacrifices law enforcement officers make in the line of duty, and that attacks on them would not stop the force from performing its duties. Police added that those who attack law enforcement officers will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

What TTAP is demanding

In a statement issued on Monday, TTAP said Rawalakot was gripped by unrest amid alleged clashes between security forces and supporters of the JAAC, and that casualties had been reported. The alliance said the government had first chosen to negotiate with the committee but later decided to suppress the movement.

TTAP said a delegation travelling to Azad Kashmir to meet protesters was stopped at Kahuta. It demanded an explanation and unrestricted access to affected people.

The alliance also demanded that the bodies of all those allegedly killed be handed to their families without delay, transparent and impartial investigations into civilian deaths and the use of force, medical treatment for the injured, access to justice for those arrested and compensation for damaged property.

In its statement, TTAP said: "Firing on unarmed civilians, the loss of human lives and the suppression of public voices are unacceptable under any circumstances." It added that it would raise its voice at every constitutional and legal forum.

The committee's own proposals

The advisory council of the JAAC has also called for an immediate end to firing and an independent investigation into deaths, injuries and arrests, along with renewed talks with the government. It asked for the return of bodies, medical care for the injured, the restoration of mobile and internet services and a verified list of detainees.

The council proposed an independent unarmed delegation visit Rawalakot and report publicly within 48 hours, and a first government-committee meeting within 24 hours at a neutral venue.

The committee has demanded the abolition of 12 seats in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir. The government says 35 of its 38 demands have been accepted or implemented. It banned the committee in June under the Anti-Terrorism Act and reinstated 177 cases against its members later that month.

What happens next

The death adds a further casualty to a confrontation that has already cost lives on both sides. In June, four police personnel were killed in Rawalakot during clashes, according to reports, and civilians also lost their lives.

For families in Azad Kashmir, the immediate concerns are practical: the return of bodies, treatment for the injured, the restoration of mobile and internet services, and clarity about who is detained.

Whether talks happen will depend on whether both sides accept the council's proposal for a meeting within 24 hours at a neutral venue. Until then, the region remains tense.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Naik Bostan Khan? A Sindh Rangers naik from Kohat district, deployed with AJK Police in Rawalakot, who was injured in firing at a police post on 5 November and later died of his injuries.

What is TTAP asking for? An immediate halt to violence, meaningful negotiations with protesters, access for its delegation, the return of bodies to families, impartial investigations, medical care for the injured and compensation for damaged property.

What does the JAAC want? Among other demands, the abolition of 12 refugee-reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, an end to firing, an independent investigation and renewed talks with the government.

Sources: khabr.pk and Serve Pak.