MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Kashmir police arrested more than 72 leaders and members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Saturday, a day after the government declared the group a proscribed organisation and placed it under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism law.
The Azad Kashmir Home Department, in a notification issued a day earlier, said the group was “engaged in terrorism” and had acted in a manner “prejudicial to peace and security” of the state.
In a statement, an Azad Kashmir police spokesperson said weapons, prohibited equipment, inflammatory material, documents related to plans to disrupt public order, records of protests, and evidence of suspected foreign contacts were recovered from those arrested.
The statement said investigations were ongoing under the law. It added that initial findings suggested some elements were planning to disrupt public order, obstruct administrative processes, damage public and private property, spread incitement against state institutions, and paralyse normal life through an “unconstitutional and violent agenda” under the guise of public grievances.
Police said all recovered material, digital evidence, and alleged links were being examined in coordination with relevant agencies in line with legal procedures.
The Inspector General of Police, Azad Kashmir, said peaceful protest, expression of opinion, and constitutional demands are respected in the region. However, he warned that no individual or group would be allowed to engage in violence, incitement, use of weapons, road blockades, or destruction of public property.
He said action would be taken without discrimination against anyone disturbing public order, and those arrested would face investigation, remand, and legal proceedings under the constitution and law.
Authorities also urged residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to remain peaceful, avoid rumours and inflammatory content, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, restrict unnecessary movement, stay away from sensitive areas and illegal gatherings, and avoid participation in any unlawful activities.
