MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Friday approved a ban on the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for its involvement in ‘terrorism’ and ‘anti-state activities’.
As per the notification issued by the AJK Home Department, the President has accorded approval to list JAAC in the “First Schedule of the ATA, 2014, as a Proscribed Organization”, exercising powers conferred under section 12 of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014.
It stated that the Awami Action Committee is found to be involved in terrorism, creating anarchy in the State by intimidating the public, and promoting hatred among the masses.
“The Government of AJ&K has reasonable grounds to believe that the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JK-JAAC), also known by the names Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and Awami Action Committee (AAC) is engaged in terrorism, acted in a manner prejudicial to the peace & security of the State, involved in creating anarchy in the State by intimidating public, promoting hatred & creating sense of insecurity in society and public at large etc,” the notification reads.
The development came after the Awami Action Committee had called for a state-wide shutdown strike from June 9 over the non-implementation of demands, which were earlier agreed by the AJK government.
Govt accuses JAAC of misleading narrative
Meanwhile, the government has claimed to accept 35 out of 38 JAAC’s demands, accusing the group of spreading a ‘misleading and baseless’ narrative in the name of public issues.
Earlier, the spokesperson of the Azad Kashmir government said that it has pursued the path of negotiations, relief measures, and implementation of the agreements, while the JAAC has preferred pressure tactics and street politics instead of flexibility and constructive engagement.
“Even after the government accepted 35 out of 38 demands, JAAC’s continued insistence on protests reflects political stubbornness rather than a commitment to public welfare,” according to the statement.
The spokesperson added, “Peaceful protest is a democratic right, but taking the law into one’s own hands, blocking roads, and paralyzing public life cannot be allowed.”
