In the Rawalkot region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the security forces cleared the bus terminal of protesters during the early morning operation against the protest sit-ins that have been going on for several months. The place was occupied by the sit-in participants for the last 5 months. Apart from this, dharnas have been given at various places in Rawalakot which have been going on for several months. According to a report by the state-run TV, the law enforcement agencies in District Bagh conducted a 'clearance operation' and ended the ongoing sit-in at Kothian. After the operation, the administration imposed Section 144 in Rawalkot and imposed a "complete ban on assembly, jalsa, procession, rally and protest at any place" of 5 or more people. A press release issued by the AJK Police stated that "law enforcement agencies have taken necessary steps to remove illegal obstructions on public roads near Rawalkot Bus Terminal and restore movement of citizens." According to the press release, "Meanwhile, the armed men of the riot group started firing indiscriminately at the police, as a result of which the police took retaliatory action. In the exchange of fire, the officials of the law enforcement agencies were injured, the details of which will be released soon, while on the other hand, there are reports of the injuries of a few armed men of the riot group." "Following the incident, baseless and misleading propaganda and false claims are being spread on social media, which aim to create panic among the public and escalate the situation," the police press release added.