MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have arrested around 72 individuals associated with the proscribed Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during the last 48 hours to maintain law and order and safeguard the lives and property of citizens.
According to the press release issued by the Police spokesperson today, law enforcement agencies recovered weapons, communication devices, suspicious documents, and materials allegedly linked to plans for disrupting public order from some of those detained during the initial operation.
The spokesperson further claimed that the security officials have also found evidence relating to organized protest activities, plans for violent agitation, and indications of contacts with foreign individuals, adding that the investigation is ongoing in accordance with the law.
The development came hours after the President of Azad Kashmir declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organisation and placed it under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism act.
As per the statement, police claimed that the initial evidence suggested that certain elements were planning to disrupt public order, affect the electoral process, damage public and private property, incite hostility against state institutions, and paralyze normal life through unconstitutional and violent agitation under the guise of public issues.
The AJK Police, in coordination with relevant agencies, are currently reviewing all available information, digital records, recovered materials, and contacts as part of an ongoing inquiry, the spokesperson said.
IG AJK warns of any unlawful activity
Furthermore, Inspector General of Police (IGP) AJK Capt (R) Liaqat Malik emphasized that peaceful expression of opinion, constitutional demands, and lawful protest remain protected rights within the state.
However, he warned that no individual or group would be permitted to engage in violence, incitement, the use of weapons, road blockades, destruction of public property, or activities that disrupt the daily lives of citizens.
The police chief stated that the law would be enforced without discrimination against anyone found involved in disturbing public order. He added that all arrested individuals would be dealt with through legal procedures, including investigation, remand, and judicial proceedings.
“The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are appealed to remain peaceful, not believe in rumors and inflammatory material, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, limit unnecessary movement, stay away from sensitive places and illegal gatherings, and avoid participating in the activities of any organization involved in illegal activities or illegal activities,” it stated.
The police have urged the public to immediately report any suspicious activity, armed elements, provocative plans, or disruption of public order to the nearest police station or the concerned administration.
“Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police is fully prepared to protect the lives and property of citizens, state peace, rule of law, and public order,” the statement said, adding that all roads and markets are open across the state.
“No attempt to disturb the peace, incite violence, or incite the people to engage in unconstitutional activities in the state will be allowed to succeed.”
