AJK Police Arrest 72 Following Ban on Joint Awami Action Committee

ISLAMABAD: Police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have arrested approximately 72 individuals allegedly linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during a series of operations conducted over the past 18 hours, authorities said on Saturday.

The arrests came a day after the AJK government declared the JAAC a banned organisation under anti-terrorism laws, accusing the group of promoting unrest, incitement, and activities deemed harmful to public order ahead of a planned protest on June 9.

Police Cite Security Concerns

In an official statement, AJK Police said the operation was launched to maintain law and order and protect public safety.

Authorities claimed that weapons, communication devices, and documents considered suspicious were recovered during the raids. Police also alleged that evidence related to planned protests and activities that could disrupt public order had been seized.

According to the statement, investigators are reviewing digital and documentary evidence, including material that authorities claim may indicate organised efforts to influence public order and target state institutions.

The inspector general of police said the state respected constitutional rights, peaceful expression, and lawful protest but would not permit violence, road blockades, damage to public property, or actions that disrupt daily life.

Police said all individuals taken into custody would face legal proceedings under applicable laws.

Government Defends Decision to Ban JAAC

AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore defended the decision to ban the organisation, describing it as necessary in light of recent developments.

Speaking to a private television channel, Rathore said substantial progress had been made on issues previously discussed between the government and the committee. He stated that most of the agreed points had either been implemented or were in the process of implementation.

The prime minister said the government had sought additional time to resolve remaining issues but claimed that the opportunity was not granted.

He maintained that authorities could not allow the situation to deteriorate into disorder and insisted that scheduled elections later this month should proceed as planned.

Concerns Over Regional Stability

Rathore also warned that instability in the region could benefit external actors seeking to exploit unrest in Kashmir.

In comments posted on social media, he reiterated that every state has the authority to act against lawlessness and condemned violence regardless of whether it originates from protesters or state actors.

The prime minister further accused leaders of the banned group of encouraging confrontation with state institutions while negotiations were ongoing.

JAAC Rejects Government Allegations

JAAC leadership strongly rejected the accusations and offered a different account of events.

Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir alleged that internet services had been disrupted across parts of the region and that raids were being carried out against committee members.

Mir claimed that one activist had been killed and another attacked during recent incidents. He said the committee remained committed to its planned long march and insisted that the movement was peaceful and focused on securing public rights.

He urged supporters to avoid damaging public or private property and appealed to overseas Kashmiris and human rights organisations to highlight the situation internationally.

Mir also called on supporters to refrain from spreading unverified information and maintain peaceful conduct.

Internet Disruptions Reported

Internet connectivity remained disrupted in several areas of AJK following the announcement of the planned protests.

Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks reported significant disruptions to network connectivity across parts of the region.

The communication outages coincided with heightened security measures implemented by authorities ahead of the scheduled demonstrations.

Political Leaders Criticise Ban

The decision to ban the JAAC drew criticism from several political figures.

Former senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed described the move as a mistake and questioned the use of anti-terrorism legislation against political dissent.

Former senator Afrasiab Khattak argued that the ban represented a violation of constitutional rights, while Ammar Ali Jan warned that suppressing political activity during an election period could increase tensions and instability.

As the situation continues to develop, authorities have urged citizens to remain calm, avoid rumours, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the planned protest and the government’s response are expected to remain at the centre of political debate in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days.