MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The High Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday reserved its decision on writ petitions filed against the September 29 strike call by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
A single-bench of Justice Sardar Muhammad Ijaz Khan heard arguments from both sides. The cases were earlier scheduled for hearing before the division bench, but were later transferred to a single bench.
During the hearing, the court asked the Assistant Advocate General about the steps the government has taken so far related to the strike and lockdown call of the JAAC.
The Assistant Advocate General told the court that the government is considering the JAAC’s legitimate demands, and the Police Department has submitted a detailed written response.
The petitioners, Sardar Imran Hussain and Raja Aamir Zafar, claimed that the strike is severely affecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Awami Action Committee’s strike and lockdown will cause significant disruptions, including the closure of commercial centers, transport disruptions, and educational institution shutdowns, the petitioners added.
They argued that the government has failed to protect citizens’ rights as per the constitution and take effective steps to prevent illegal gatherings and road closures.
The petitioners’ lawyers requested that the court bind the government to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of citizens and end illegal gatherings and road closures, and take strict legal steps to maintain law and order.
The court’s decision is awaited, which is expected to have significant implications for the fundamental rights and constitutional obligations of citizens in AJK.
The JAAC has been leading a rights movement in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with demands including abolishing 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian occupied Kashmir.
The committee has accused the government of stalling dialogue and has announced a protest lockdown on September 29.
