MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The local police and district administration, in a joint operation, sealed the central office of banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as operation against the proscribed organization continues.
According to police officials, during the search of the office, one submachine gun, one 12-bore rifle, and one pistol were recovered from the premises.
Officials said that the recovered weapons have been taken into custody and further investigations have been initiated to bring to light facts related to their use and ownership.
According to the police, a large number of people were present outside the central office during the operation, but no protest, rioting, or resistance was observed.
Security agencies also deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order in the area. Government circles say that such actions are necessary to enforce the law, establish state writ, and ensure public order.
Some experts and observers have also termed the alleged recovery of weapons as alarming, stating that the presence of weapons with any group active in the name of public rights is a serious matter that requires a full investigation.
On the other hand, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, while holding a press conference with political leaders in Islamabad, said that some elements in Azad Kashmir are trying to influence the upcoming election process.
Joint Awami Action Committee demands
He claimed that the government has already accepted most of the demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee and has also implemented them.
According to Chaudhry, electricity is being provided at subsidized rates in Azad Kashmir, while subsidies are also being given on various essential food items, including flour.
