MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A core member of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Tauseef Jaral, has announced his decision to distance himself from the committee following his release, citing concerns over what he described as a shift in the movement’s current direction.
In a statement, Jaral said the Awami Action Committee had originally been associated with a peaceful struggle for public rights but alleged that its activities had now come under the influence of what he described as “extremist elements.”
“I strongly condemn the indoctrination of youth and the incitement to take up arms against the State and Pakistan,” Jaral said.
He urged young people not to pursue violence or what he termed a path of subversion, calling on them to understand the situation and adopt peaceful means to raise their concerns.
“This is not a war of independence,” Jaral said, appealing to young people to return to their homes and avoid confrontation.
While announcing his separation from the JAAC, Jaral said he would continue his struggle for the rights of the people through peaceful means.
He also appealed to the youth to join him in that effort and said he would take responsibility for helping ensure their safe return and resettlement in their homes.
Jaral’s statement marks a significant distancing from the committee and comes with a renewed call for a peaceful approach to public-rights activism.
