India Accused of Fuelling Unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as Strike Triggers Security Crackdown

Pakistani authorities have alleged Indian involvement in the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), claiming that external forces linked to India’s intelligence agency are attempting to exploit the strike call and protests to destabilise the region.

Following the arrest of 72 individuals and the imposition of heightened security measures including internet suspensions and transport shutdowns, senior officials pointed fingers at India for allegedly backing elements behind the agitation.

A government spokesperson in AJK stated that intelligence reports indicate attempts by Indian agencies, particularly the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), to incite and fund disruptive activities in the region. “Instability in AJK serves Indian interests by creating internal divisions and diverting attention from their own actions in occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” the official remarked.

Police sources claimed that some of the arrested individuals possessed suspicious documents, communications, and materials suggesting links to cross-border handlers. In recent months, AJK law enforcement has foiled several alleged espionage attempts in areas like Rawalakot.

The current strike, called for June 9 over economic grievances, inflation, and rights issues, has led to fuel shortages, market closures, and logistical disruptions. Authorities argue that while local demands may be genuine, external actors are trying to hijack the movement for geopolitical gains amid broader India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir.

The situation has heightened diplomatic sensitivities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Security forces remain on high alert across AJK, with additional deployments along key routes and sensitive areas to prevent any escalation.

Local residents, caught between economic hardships and the security clampdown, have called for dialogue to address underlying issues while urging both sides to avoid turning the region into a proxy battleground.

As the strike unfolds, observers warn that any perceived foreign interference could further complicate efforts to restore normalcy in the disputed Himalayan region. Authorities have vowed to maintain public order while promising a review of services once the immediate threat subsides.