Azad Jammu and Kashmir police have accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of exploiting a rights movement as a cover to incite violence, disrupt daily life, and challenge the authority of the state. During a press briefing in Rawalakot, AJK police spokesperson SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat claimed that armed factions linked to the committee attacked police and other security forces, while also attempting to halt education, transportation, and commercial activities throughout Azad Kashmir.
Shaukat questioned the legitimacy of a movement that involved armed assaults on law enforcement personnel. He asked, “Is this truly a protest or a rights movement?” emphasizing that genuine advocacy for rights cannot justify violence against police and security officials tasked with maintaining order.
He reported that a Rangers personnel was killed during violent incidents in Balouch, and several AJK police officers were injured in confrontations. Furthermore, he alleged that armed groups not only attacked security forces but were also urging youth to boycott schools, close roads, and shut down businesses.
The police spokesperson asserted that these acts aimed to destabilize peace, tarnish the state’s reputation, and create chaos in the region. While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a fundamental right, he stressed that it does not extend to violence or endangering civilians.
SSP Shaukat noted the state’s considerable restraint but insisted it could not permit armed groups to hold citizens hostage or continually defy state authority. He underscored that restoring law and order remains the government’s and law enforcement’s responsibility.
In a significant development, the police presented evidence collected during investigations into recent unrest. They intensified security checks at multiple points to maintain peace and arrested individuals allegedly involved in assaults on security personnel. Weapons were reportedly recovered from some suspects, and forensic analysis of mobile phones uncovered videos depicting armed groups, attacks on security forces, and protest meetings.
Shaukat highlighted the arrest of Abdullah, a young man from Sudhnoti district, detained during routine checks. The police shared videos and photos from Abdullah’s phone showing armed men at action committee gatherings. Abdullah admitted in a statement that some material on his phone was recorded at these sit-ins and that armed individuals were present.
The authorities used this material to support claims that armed elements were operating within or alongside the protest movement, though the allegations and interpretation of the evidence have not been independently verified.
Moreover, Shaukat accused the banned committee of encouraging youth to boycott schools for nearly three months, questioning why a group claiming to represent public interests would seek to keep children from education. He alleged the committee’s actions were designed to disrupt development and deny the younger generation educational opportunities.
The ongoing protests have severely impacted education. In June, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Mirpur postponed intermediate exams across the region due to disruptions caused by a lockdown imposed by the action committee.
While the committee maintains its movement focuses on public and economic rights, authorities increasingly view the protests as a threat to law and order.
SSP Shaukat warned that those involved in violence and challenging state authority would face legal consequences. He emphasized that the state cannot allow violent and disruptive actors to operate unchecked if peace and progress are to be preserved.
“The state will not tolerate elements responsible for violence, disorder, and defiance of state writ,” he stated, adding that actions are ongoing against those implicated in attacks on law enforcement and those orchestrating such incidents.
The police also appealed to the public, especially parents, to prevent young people from engaging in violent activities.
In August, Shaukat had reported that eight highway police personnel assigned to election duty were abducted and subjected to violence, demanding their immediate release, although the committee denied holding them. Earlier police statements also alleged that armed men with modern weapons were involved in violent episodes in Rawalakot following clashes.
