AJK Government Starts Legal Action Against JAAC Leaders After Rawalakot Violence

AJK Government Begins Action Against JAAC Leaders

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has started legal proceedings against leaders of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), accusing them of anti-state activities and sedition.According to the AJK Home Department, investigations have been ordered against JAAC leaders Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad. Police officials in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur have been directed to complete investigations and submit reports to the courts.Authorities said the investigations will examine speeches, social media posts, publications, and other communications allegedly linked to the leaders.The action comes after the AJK government officially declared JAAC a banned organization on June 5, claiming that it was involved in activities harmful to the peace and security of the region.

Violence in Rawalakot

The latest crackdown follows violent clashes in Rawalakot earlier this week. According to police, armed members of the banned group allegedly opened fire on security forces, killing four police and security personnel and injuring more than 20 others.Several civilians were also killed and injured during the unrest, making it one of the most serious incidents in AJK in recent years.

Rs10 Million Reward Announced

The AJK Home Department has also released a list of four wanted individuals connected to the banned organization. The wanted persons include Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, and Sardar Aman Khan.The government has announced a reward of Rs10 million for anyone providing information that leads to their arrest. Officials said the identities of informants will remain confidential.

Political Reactions

Former JAAC member Syed Faisal Gilani announced that he was leaving the organization and condemned the violence in Rawalakot.Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the situation across AJK was under control and that authorities were working to protect people and maintain law and order. He also stated that many of JAAC's previous demands had already been addressed by the government.Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that people have the right to express their opinions peacefully, but violence and attacks on security personnel cannot be tolerated. He warned that the state would take strict action against anyone trying to achieve political goals through violence.

Situation Remains Tense

The recent clashes and government crackdown have increased tensions across AJK. Security has been tightened in several areas while authorities continue their investigations.Officials say legal action will continue against anyone found involved in violence or activities that threaten peace and security in the region.