AJK authorities arrest 72 JAAC activists amid crackdown, trader killed in Poonch

Authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) launched a significant crackdown on the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Saturday, arresting at least 72 leaders and activists. A police spokesperson stated that the operation, conducted over 18 hours, aimed to maintain public order and protect citizens' lives and property.

“

In fulfilment of its responsibility to maintain public order and protect the lives and properties of citizens, police have arrested around 72 people affiliated with the proscribed JAAC over the past 18 hours.

During the initial actions, police reported recovering weapons, communication devices, suspicious documents, and materials indicating plans to disrupt public order. The spokesperson also cited indications of questionable contacts with patrons and foreigners, which are currently under investigation. Authorities are examining evidence suggesting elements are attempting to exploit public issues to disrupt law and order, influence elections, damage property, incite hostility against state institutions, and paralyze normal life through violent actions.

“

During initial action, weapons, communication gadgets, suspicious documents, material related to plans that could adversely affect public order and organised mechanisms for violent agitational activities had been found, in addition to indications of questionable contacts with patrons and foreigners which are being investigated under law.

The crackdown occurred amidst a tense situation in the Poonch district, where a trader, Shahzeb Habib, died from a gunshot wound late Friday night. Sources indicate Habib was with JAAC core member Umar Nazir Kashmiri when their vehicle was intercepted by law enforcement. Police claim an "exchange of fire" occurred, during which Habib was critically injured and later died. However, the AJK police Facebook page reported an interception and firing by armed occupants who then escaped, without mentioning any fatalities.

“

some elements were “trying to exploit public issues to disrupt law and order, influence the electoral process, damage public and private property, incite hostility against state institutions and paralyse normal life through unconstitutional and violent actions”.

Habib's relatives refused a post-mortem and staged a sit-in protest with his body outside a hospital. Kashmiri reportedly sustained minor injuries and evaded arrest. The police urged the public to remain peaceful, restrict movement, and cooperate with law enforcement, warning against participation in activities by outlawed organizations.

“

At 11:45pm on Friday, when police tried to intercept a suspicious vehicle near Khaigalla, its armed occupants opened fire on them. Police also retaliated with firing, which led the armed men to escape.