Bagh, Azad Jammu Kashmir (Pakistan administered Kashmir) May 29 — A high-intensity police operation in Hussain Kot Mehra in Poonch district of AJK turned deadly this week, resulting in the deaths of four individuals suspected of being involved in armed activities. While official confirmation is awaited, sources allege that Zarnosh Naseem—a young man from Bagh who has previously been at the center of several controversies—was among those present during the incident.
The raid, according to preliminary information, was aimed at apprehending Zarnosh Naseem and his associates. During the operation, explosive devices were reportedly detonated inside the targeted premises, killing four individuals on the spot. One police officer, Gulfraz from Bhimber, lost his life in the line of duty. Six other officers—Rehman, Hafeez, Nouman, Zeeshan, Asghar Ali, and Naeem—sustained injuries, some of them serious. Some unofficial reports, however, claim that two police personnel were killed. Authorities have yet to issue a formal statement, pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Who is Zarnosh Naseem?
Zarnosh Naseem is a resident of Bagh and a figure who has sparked debate and concern over the past two years. His name first entered the public discourse in August last year when he went missing under unclear circumstances. Local residents staged protests demanding his recovery, alleging that he had been detained without due process. Eventually, Zarnosh was released or resurfaced, though the details of his disappearance and return remained murky.
His name returned to the spotlight following an armed attack on the Shujaabad police post, during which Constable Sajjad Resham was killed. Authorities later accused Zarnosh of involvement in the attack, a claim that sparked further controversy due to the absence of publicly presented evidence at the time.
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The case against him appeared to strengthen in March this year when Saqib Ghani, a man arrested from Azad Pattan, gave a custodial statement alleging that Zarnosh and his group were responsible for the murder of Constable Resham and were planning further attacks. Saqib’s claims were supported by a second young man who had traveled with him and voluntarily surrendered to the police. In a recorded video statement, he echoed the allegations.
Soon after, another individual was arrested from Dhamni. His video confession claimed that he had transported weapons and dry fruits to Zarnosh and his companions. These developments led law enforcement to intensify their pursuit of Zarnosh, culminating in a raid in Bagh. That operation ended in a tragic exchange of gunfire, during which a civilian was killed and two police officers were injured.
Claims of Alleged Affiliations
Police officials claim that Zarnosh Naseem had ties to the proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), though these claims remain unverified in the absence of court proceedings or transparent investigations. Adding a further layer of complexity, Dr. Abdul Rauf, a man originally from Bagh but now reportedly residing in Afghanistan, has been vocal in his support for Zarnosh. Dr. Rauf has used social media to challenge the state narrative and to advocate for Zarnosh, both during his disappearance and in the current aftermath.
Lack of Official Clarity
Despite the gravity of the incident, government officials and police authorities have yet to issue a formal statement detailing the operation or confirming the identities of those killed. The vacuum of official information has left space for speculation, media interpretations, and unverified reports to dominate public discourse.
Zarnosh Naseem’s case touches on broader issues of law enforcement transparency, judicial due process, and the ongoing tensions between state institutions and local communities in regions like Bagh. As investigations continue, many questions remain unanswered: Was Zarnosh Naseem a legitimate security threat? Or has he become a symbol of a deeper crisis of justice and accountability?
Until official reports are made public, these questions will continue to stir public curiosity and concern.
