AJK Govt Cracks Down on JAAC After Imposing Ban; Scores Arrested

Authorities in Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) launched a significant crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group recently declared unlawful. Police reported arresting approximately 72 leaders and activists across various areas within an 18-hour period, citing the need to maintain public order and protect citizens' lives and property.

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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.

According to a police spokesperson, the initial actions yielded a range of concerning items. Recovered materials included weapons, communication devices, suspicious documents, and evidence of plans that could negatively impact public order. The spokesperson also indicated that investigations are underway into "questionable contacts with patrons and foreigners," suggesting a broader scope to the crackdown beyond local activism.

The police statement detailed ongoing examinations of information and digital evidence suggesting that certain elements are attempting to exploit public issues. The alleged aims include disrupting law and order, influencing the electoral process, damaging property, inciting hostility against state institutions, and paralyzing normal life through unconstitutional and violent actions. The public has been urged to remain peaceful and cooperate with law enforcement.

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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 follows 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 Umar Nazir Kashmiri, a JAAC core member, when their vehicle was intercepted by law enforcement. Authorities claim an "exchange of fire" occurred, during which Habib was critically injured and later died. However, the AJK police Facebook page reported an armed encounter without mentioning any fatalities, and Habib's relatives reportedly refused a post-mortem examination, staging a protest outside a hospital.

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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.