The police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) announced on Saturday that they had apprehended 72 individuals associated with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during a security operation. Authorities alleged that some of those detained were found in possession of weapons, suspicious documents, and materials intended to disrupt public order in the region. These arrests occur just weeks before legislative elections in AJK, amid renewed tensions surrounding the JAAC, a protest movement that has organized demonstrations over economic grievances, governance reforms, and political issues.
Details of the Operation
According to an AJK Police statement released on Saturday, the operations were conducted over an 18-hour period in accordance with the law. The statement confirmed that approximately 72 individuals linked to the banned JAAC were taken into custody. The police also claimed to have recovered evidence suggesting contacts with foreign individuals, and investigations are ongoing. Some detainees were found with communication devices and material related to organizing protests and violent activities.
Government Stance
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore declared that the government would no longer engage in talks with those who spread chaos under the guise of politics. His remarks followed the AJK government's decision to designate the JAAC as a proscribed organization under anti-terrorism laws, a move made ahead of the group's planned protest on June 9. Without naming specific individuals, PM Rathore stated that elements involved in sit-ins, arson, and riots are supporters of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He emphasized that he had witnessed all past negotiations with the now-banned JAAC and noted that the non-political and non-parliamentary group repeatedly refused to come to the negotiating table. Citing statements from JAAC leaders, PM Rathore said they had vowed not to back down from attacking the state. He affirmed that the state permits peaceful protest but will never allow blackmail.
Background of the JAAC
The JAAC emerged as a leading protest movement in AJK, initially campaigning against high electricity costs, wheat prices, and government privileges before expanding its demands to include broader political and governance reforms. The recent arrests mark a significant escalation in the authorities' response to the group. The development follows the JAAC's claim that one protester was killed and another core member injured in Rawalakot, the capital of Poonch district, during recent unrest.
Security Concerns
According to police, preliminary findings suggest that some elements were planning to disrupt public order, influence the electoral process, damage public and private property, and incite hostility against state institutions through unconstitutional and violent agitation. The JAAC has called for a region-wide shutter-down and wheel-jam strike beginning at Saturday midnight. The latest crackdown comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the polls, with authorities emphasizing the need to maintain security and public order during the election period. The AJK government formally declared JAAC a proscribed organization on June 5, placing it in the First Schedule of the AJK Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014.
