AJK PM defends ban as 72 arrested in crackdown; JAAC reaffirms long march

• Crackdown launched after government bans action committee under anti-terror laws

• Authorities claim recovery of weapons, devices and sensitive documents

• Allegations of plans to disrupt law and order and target state institutions

• Internet disruptions and raids reported amid widening security operation

• JAAC rejects charges, confirms June 9 long march will proceed

• AJK PM defends ban, says move unavoidable to prevent chaos

 MUZAFFARABAD/ISLAMABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police on Saturday launched a wide-ranging crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), arresting around 72 individuals allegedly linked to the organisation, as its leadership rejected all allegations and reaffirmed that the planned long march scheduled for June 9 would go ahead, a day after the government imposed a ban on the group under anti-terrorism laws.

The crackdown follows the AJK government’s decision to ban JAAC, accusing it of involvement in terrorism, promoting hatred and creating anarchy in the region ahead of the announced protest.

In a statement, AJK Police said the arrests were part of efforts to maintain law and order and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

The police claimed that weapons, communication devices and suspicious documents had been recovered during the operation. It further alleged that material linked to plans to disturb public order, along with evidence indicating organised protest and violent activity patterns, had also been seized.

According to the statement, investigators had also found indications of suspected contacts with foreign individuals, and inquiries into the recovered material were continuing.

It added that preliminary evidence suggested certain elements were planning to disrupt public order, damage public and private property, influence the electoral process and incite hostility against state institutions through what it termed unconstitutional and violent agitation.

Law enforcement agencies are examining the recovered material, digital evidence and other information in accordance with legal procedures, the statement said.

The Inspector General of Police said the state respects peaceful expression, constitutional demands and lawful protest.

“However, no individual or group will be allowed to engage in violence, incitement, use of weapons, road blockades, damage to public property or disruption of citizens’ daily lives,” he was quoted as saying.

The police further said all those arrested would face investigation and judicial proceedings under relevant laws.

Appealing to the public, police urged citizens to remain calm, avoid rumours and inflammatory content, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and stay away from sensitive locations and unlawful gatherings.

 Reaffirming its commitment to law and order, the police said all roads and markets across the state remained open, adding that no attempt to disturb peace or promote violence would be allowed to succeed.

 AJK PM defends ban on JAAC

Meanwhile, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore defended the decision to ban JAAC, saying it had become unavoidable given the evolving situation in the region.

Speaking to a private television channel, he said progress had been made on most of the points agreed between the government and the committee.

Referring to negotiations, he said that out of 38 points, several of the agreed measures had already been implemented, while others were partially fulfilled.

We condemn violence, be it in the name of authority or protests. However, every State has the right to take action against lawlessness and anarchy. Recent statements by leaders of the proscribed group had pointed to their inclination towards creating mass chaos, as seen in the… https://t.co/yTd3ZCv62T

— Faisal Mumtaz Rathore (@PMofAJK) June 6, 2026

He said the government had sought additional time to implement remaining points, but the opportunity was not provided.

The prime minister said the emerging situation was creating difficulties for ordinary citizens and the government could not allow it to escalate into chaos.

“Given the direction in which the situation was moving, a ban on JAAC had to be imposed,” he said.

Regarding elections scheduled for July 27, he said they should be held on time.

He added that all political parties and citizens should demonstrate responsibility to ensure stability.

Recalling earlier negotiations, he said an agreement had been drafted after talks broke down but collapsed at the final stage over a single issue, after which 13 lives were lost before the same agreement was later reached.

Responding to questions about alleged external involvement, he said that whether or not India was directly involved, instability in the region ultimately benefited New Delhi.

“At such a time, giving space to exploit the situation and strengthen narratives on Kashmir is not appropriate for either Pakistan or Kashmir,” he said.

Later in a post on X, he warned against anarchy and unrest, saying the state had the right to act against lawlessness while condemning violence “whether in the name of authority or protests.”

He said recent statements by JAAC leadership indicated an inclination towards mass disorder, and reiterated that violence and coercion could not be tolerated.

He also criticised abusive language directed at him on social media, saying it reflected the group’s approach to disagreement.

JAAC rejects allegations, vows long march

Separately, JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir rejected the allegations, claiming that internet services had been suspended across the region and raids were being conducted to arrest committee members.

He alleged that in Rawalakot, committee member Umar Nazir was attacked and activist Shazib Habib was killed.

تمام کشمیری عوام اور ساتھیوں کو آگاہ کیا جاتا ہے:
آزاد کشمیر میں اس وقت صورتحال انتہائی سنگین ہے۔ حکومت نے پوری وادی میں انٹرنیٹ سروسز مکمل طور پر بند کر دی ہیں۔ ایکشن کمیٹی کے ممبران کی گرفتاری کے لیے مختلف مقامات پر چھاپے مارے جا رہے ہیں۔ راولاکوٹ میں ہمارے ساتھی عمر نذیر پر…

— Awami Action Committe (@JAAC__Official) June 6, 2026

“Our morale is high, and our resolve is stronger than ever,” he said, adding that the planned long march would proceed as scheduled.

He said the movement was peaceful and demanded legitimate rights.

Mir urged supporters to avoid damaging public or private property, stressing that the objective was reform and rights, not chaos.

کور ممبران کی گرفتاری کے حوالے سے فیک نیوز چلائی جا رہی ہیں۔عوام سے گزارش ہے کہ غیر مصدقہ خبروں پر یقین نہ کریں اور افواہوں کو آگے پھیلانے سے گریز کریں۔ایک ضروری بات، کسی کو گالی نہ دیں۔ یہ کشمیریوں کی روایت نہیں۔ ہمارا مؤقف، ہماری جدوجہد اور ہمارا احتجاج دلیل، اخلاق اور شعور کے…

— Awami Action Committe (@JAAC__Official) June 6, 2026

He also appealed to Kashmiris abroad and human rights organisations to highlight the situation internationally.

He urged people not to believe or spread unverified information, including rumours about arrests, and called for restraint in language and conduct during the ongoing situation.