AJK Police Chief Rejects Talks With Violent Groups
Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Inspector General of Police, Captain (retd) Liaqat Ali Malik, has ruled out negotiations with groups accused of violence against security personnel and civilians, marking a firm law-enforcement stance on Sunday as public order concerns remain under close watch in the region.
The police chief said the force could not offer concessions to elements allegedly involved in attacks on police officers, desecration of bodies and violence against ordinary citizens. His remarks indicate that AJK police intend to treat such cases as serious criminal matters rather than disputes to be settled through direct talks with law enforcement authorities.
According to the reported statement, Malik drew a clear line between political engagement and police responsibility. He said political matters should be handled by political leadership, while the duty of police is to enforce the law, protect citizens and maintain public order when violence or threats emerge.
The AJK police chief also referred to incidents in which security personnel and civilians were allegedly threatened or attacked. He questioned how dialogue could be considered with individuals accused of killing police personnel, and said those facing such allegations could not expect leniency from the state’s law-enforcement system.
One of the most serious allegations cited in the report involved an ordinary citizen who was reportedly travelling to attend his mother’s funeral when he was abducted and assaulted. Malik claimed the victim suffered severe injuries, including broken legs, highlighting what he described as the danger posed to civilians by violent elements.
The statement comes against the backdrop of continuing sensitivity around law and order in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where administrative disputes, protests and security incidents can quickly become politically charged. In such situations, police statements carry added significance because they often shape the public perception of whether authorities are pursuing reconciliation, enforcement or a combination of both.
AJK has seen repeated debates over the balance between public protest, political negotiation and state response. While political dialogue is often presented as a way to reduce tensions, police leadership appears to be separating that process from cases involving alleged killings, attacks and threats against citizens or security officials.
The immediate impact is likely to be felt in how future unrest or violent incidents are handled across the region. A tougher police posture may reassure families of slain personnel and citizens demanding accountability, but it could also increase pressure on political leaders to open channels for addressing grievances before they escalate into confrontation.
The next step will depend on whether the accused individuals or groups face formal legal proceedings and whether political authorities in AJK move separately to address underlying tensions. For now, the police chief’s message signals that alleged violence against security personnel and civilians will be treated as a law-and-order matter, not as a bargaining point for negotiations.