Pakistani Intel, LeT, Hizbul Operatives Infiltrated Peaceful PoK Rally: Sources

Peaceful PoK protest ‘infiltrated’ by Pakistani intel-linked operatives, LeT, Hizbul members: Sources

A peaceful protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s (PoK) Rawalakot was allegedly infiltrated by operatives linked to Pakistani intelligence agencies and proscribed terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen, triggering violence that was later used to justify a security crackdown, intelligence sources told CNN-News18.

The demonstration, organised by the Awami Action Committee on July 27, was initially billed as a peaceful rally against local governance and economic issues. Organisers said participants carried white flags and were instructed to avoid any form of violence.

However, the protest later descended into chaos, with reports of clashes, firing and a subsequent security operation.

‘Operatives planted within crowd’

According to intelligence sources, plainclothes operatives linked to Pakistani intelligence agencies, along with members associated with LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen, had allegedly mingled with protesters before the rally began.

The sources claimed these individuals deliberately provoked violence in an attempt to derail the peaceful demonstration and create grounds for a forceful response by security forces.

A senior intelligence source further alleged that the operation was conducted under the directions of Sector Commander Brigadier Faiq Ayoub, claiming he had been tasked by higher authorities with ending the Awami Action Committee’s agitation “by all means.”

Claims of firing and crackdown

Intelligence sources also alleged that armed elements linked to LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen fired the first shots during the protest, escalating tensions and turning the gathering into a violent confrontation.

Following the unrest, reports emerged of security personnel moving against protesters, with allegations of a wider crackdown in the area.

Awami Action Committee’s allegations

Leaders of the Awami Action Committee have accused authorities of deploying armed personnel in civilian clothing across different parts of PoK.

They maintain that the Rawalakot rally was organised as a peaceful public demonstration and allege that “mischief-makers” infiltrated the gathering to provoke violence and undermine the movement.

The organisers have urged residents to remain vigilant against what they describe as attempts to manufacture unrest and discredit public protests.

Rising tensions in PoK

The allegations come amid heightened tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where demonstrations over governance and economic issues have drawn large public participation in recent months.

Previous reports have also alleged that security forces used force against protesters and imposed restrictions on the flow of information from affected areas.