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

Published 30 July 2026 · tech

Operatives Linked To Pakistani Intel, LeT, Hizbul Mujahideen Infiltrated Peaceful PoK Rally: Sources Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 09:42 IST According

Operatives Linked To Pakistani Intel, LeT, Hizbul Mujahideen Infiltrated Peaceful PoK Rally: Sources Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 09:42 IST According to sources, plainclothes personnel linked to Pakistani intelligence, along with operatives linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, were embedded within the crowd Rapid Read Violence overshadowed the first phase of PoJK polls. (Image: ANI) A peaceful protest organised by the Awami Action Committee in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Rawalakot allegedly turned violent after intelligence-linked operatives and militants infiltrated the gathering to provoke unrest, according to claims made by intelligence sources, accessed by CNN-News18. The July 27 protest was initially planned as a non-violent demonstration against local governance and economic issues. Organisers say participants were carrying white flags and had been instructed to maintain peace throughout the rally.

However, the event descended into chaos, leading to firing, clashes, and allegations of a subsequent crackdown. According to the intelligence claims, plainclothes personnel linked to Pakistani intelligence agencies, along with operatives associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, were embedded within the crowd. These individuals allegedly incited protesters to engage in violence and create conditions that could justify a forceful response by security agencies. The report cites a senior intelligence source as alleging that the operation was carried out on the directions of Sector Commander Brigadier Faiq Ayoub. The source further claimed that the commander had been tasked by higher authorities with ending the ongoing Awami Action Committee agitation “by all means." One of the most serious allegations is that armed elements linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen opened fire first during the rally, transforming what had been a peaceful demonstration into a violent confrontation.

Awami Action Committee leaders have also accused authorities of deploying armed personnel in civilian clothing across different parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. They maintain that the protest was fully prepared as a peaceful public gathering before “mischief-makers" exploited the event. The developments have intensified tensions in the region, where recent protests have drawn significant public participation. Organisers have appealed to the Kashmiri public to remain vigilant against what they described as attempts to manufacture unrest and discredit popular movements. The allegations come amid growing scrutiny over the handling of demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Earlier reports had claimed that security forces used force against protesters and that restrictions were imposed on the flow of information from affected areas. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations and Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: July 30, 2026, 09:42 IST News world Operatives Linked To Pakistani Intel, LeT, Hizbul Mujahideen Infiltrated Peaceful PoK Rally: Sources Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.