MUZAFFARABAD (MNN); The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organisation and included it in the First Schedule of the region’s Anti-Terrorism Act 2014, citing concerns over public security and law and order.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department on Friday, the government accused the group of engaging in activities deemed harmful to the peace and security of the state. Authorities alleged that JAAC had been involved in intimidating the public, promoting hatred, creating unrest and fostering a sense of insecurity among citizens.
The notification stated that AJK President approved the inclusion of the organisation in the list of banned groups under Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban covers the organisation under all of its commonly known names, including Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JK-JAAC), Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and Awami Action Committee (AAC).
Officials also criticised the group for refusing to engage in institutional dialogue with a designated implementation committee, alleging that its actions appeared aimed at disrupting the democratic process in the region.
The controversy has intensified as JAAC continues preparations for a wheel-jam strike scheduled for June 9, coinciding with the opening day for submission of nomination papers for the July 27 AJK general elections. Authorities view the timing of the strike as potentially disruptive to the electoral process.
Earlier on Friday, the AJK government advised non-residents to avoid travelling to the region and urged visitors already present to leave as a precautionary measure ahead of the planned protest.
A major issue behind the latest agitation is JAAC’s demand for the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly allocated to refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who settled in Pakistan after 1947. The organisation argues that these seats are frequently used by mainstream Pakistani political parties to influence government formation in Muzaffarabad.
