Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has declared that the government will no longer hold talks with those spreading unrest in the name of politics. The statement is significant as tensions continue to rise ahead of a planned strike call by the Joint Awami Action Committee. The remarks affect political stakeholders and residents amid an ongoing dispute between the government and protest organizers.
In a statement, Rathore said the government fully understands the motives of elements seeking to create instability in the state. He alleged that certain political groups and social media activists were determined to spread chaos in Azad Kashmir. He added that those involved in sit-ins, vandalism, and disruptive activities were attempting to undermine public order and state institutions.
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The prime minister said he had witnessed all previous negotiations with the Joint Awami Action Committee and claimed the group repeatedly refused to engage meaningfully despite several efforts. He described the committee as a non-political and non-parliamentary group. According to Rathore, statements made by its leaders indicate a willingness to challenge state authority rather than pursue dialogue.
Rathore stressed that the government supports the constitutional right to peaceful protest but would not permit blackmail or actions that threaten public stability. He also argued that Azad Kashmir enjoys stronger political and human rights protections than many other regions. The prime minister highlighted subsidized electricity and flour prices as examples of public welfare measures provided by the government.
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The statement comes a day after the Azad Kashmir government declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee a banned organization. Authorities have also detained dozens of individuals linked to the group in recent days. Meanwhile, the committee has announced a strike for June 9, setting the stage for a potentially tense political confrontation in the coming week.