MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azad Kashmir and Leader of the Opposition, Shah Ghulam Qadir, has strongly endorsed the government’s decision to ban the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), stating that the move was necessary to maintain peace and stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
In a video statement, Shah Ghulam Qadir said that the Awami Action Committee had created similar situations on three previous occasions, and each time the government had addressed its concerns through negotiations and acceptance of demands.
He revealed that formal talks were also held during the protest last year, and several demands of the committee were accepted. However, despite the government’s efforts and willingness to engage, no lasting solution could be achieved, ultimately leading to the decision to impose the ban.
The opposition leader maintained that the government’s action was justified under the prevailing circumstances and described it as “the need of the hour.”
“Despite all the efforts of mischievous elements, the law and order situation across Azad Kashmir is under control, and the atmosphere is peaceful,” he said.
‘JAAC banned’
Last night, the President of Azad Kashmir approved a ban on the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under the region’s anti-terrorism act.
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.
