The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has officially declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This effectively bans the group just before its planned protest on June 9. Official sources confirmed that approximately 35 to 40 individuals associated with the now-proscribed JAAC have been arrested.
State authorities emphasized that these stringent measures are necessary to uphold the writ of the state and protect public life and property from further disruption. Security officials reiterated that while peaceful advocacy remains a constitutional right, any destruction of property or challenge to state authority under the guise of protest will face zero tolerance.
Despite the recent tensions and speculative reports, life across all major urban centers in the region, including the capital city of Muzaffarabad, remains entirely normal. Markets, commercial hubs, and retail shops have opened according to their routine schedules, and public transport continues to operate without interruption.
With the AJK Election Commission having officially scheduled the Legislative Assembly general elections for July 27, state officials and political analysts emphasize that democratic norms must be respected. The government has urged all regional stakeholders to recognize the sanctity of the upcoming ballot.
A senior administrative official noted, "The democratic process provides the ultimate institutional framework for addressing grievances. Those seeking to take matters to the streets should instead redirect their efforts into the democratic process, resolving societal and legislative concerns through the ballot box and inside the assembly chambers rather than through destabilizing agitation."
