The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) administration has officially designated the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a proscribed organisation under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. This decision was formalized through a notification released by the region’s Home Department.
The notification clarified that the organisation, along with its associated names including Jammu Kashmir Action Committee, Joint Awami Action Committee, and Awami Action Committee, has been added to the First Schedule of the anti-terrorism legislation following approval from the AJK president.
In a significant development, the notification cited that the government holds “reasonable evidence” indicating the group’s involvement in activities detrimental to peace and public safety within the region. The organisation is accused of inciting unrest, intimidating citizens, and creating an atmosphere of insecurity among the public.
Furthermore, the notification accused the committee of promoting hatred and engaging in conduct likely to disrupt public order and stability. Consequently, invoking Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014, the government formally proscribed the organisation and all its alternative names.
Meanwhile, the Home Department announced that legal proceedings will be initiated against the banned organisation in line with the law. Copies of the notification have been disseminated to all ministers, the federal interior ministry, and other pertinent institutions.
The order has also been shared with the AJK president, prime minister, chief secretary, departmental secretaries, as well as deputy commissioners, senior superintendents of police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, and the Special Branch. Authorities in the Muzaffarabad, Poonch, and Mirpur divisions have been instructed to enforce the notification and ensure strict adherence to the directive.
The government reaffirmed its dedication to preserving peace, enforcing the rule of law, and protecting public security. It emphasized that no organisation will be allowed to jeopardize public order, safety, or the administrative framework of the state.
