Four Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel were allegedly abducted while travelling to Rawalakot for duty, officials said.
Officials identified the policemen as Selection Grade Constable Shahid Shafiq, Selection Grade Constable Muhammad Sagheer, Constable Muhammad Ishtiaq and Constable Zeeshan Ishaq.
The officers were travelling from their homes to Rawalakot when members of the Joint Awami Action Committee allegedly intercepted them and took them away, according to officials.
Authorities said the four policemen remained in captivity. They said investigations and recovery efforts were underway.
Officials linked the alleged abduction to tensions around a Rawalakot sit-in. They claimed the protest failed to draw significant public participation.
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Authorities alleged that some JAAC members then tried to disturb law and order in the area. Officials also accused the same group of previously abducting and torturing an assistant sub-inspector.
Officials said the group was also involved in an attack on the Combined Military Hospital. They did not provide further details in the initial statement.
Earlier, authorities said JAAC chief Umar Nazeer had issued threats to traders in Azad Jammu and Kashmir over their participation in the strike.
Officials alleged that Nazeer warned shopkeepers not to open their businesses during the strike. They said legal action would follow against those involved in the policemen’s abduction.
