The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Wednesday accused the banned Awami Action Committee of attempting to undermine peace, public order and state authority through activities carried out in recent days, alleging the group had escalated tensions ahead of the July 27 general elections. Speaking at a joint press conference in Muzaffarabad, AJK Special Secretary for Home Chaudhry Guftar Hussain and AJK Police spokesperson DIG Irfan Masood Kashfi alleged that the banned organization was using the cover of public rights activism to create unrest, pressure the government and spread fear among residents. Guftar Hussain alleged that the group had used women, children and students from schools, colleges and universities as “human shields” during protest activities. He further accused the organization of promoting anti-Pakistan narratives, making derogatory remarks about the armed forces and blocking major highways, disrupting public movement and daily life. “The government will continue to take all necessary measures to maintain law and order, uphold the rule of law, protect the lives and property of citizens, and restore normalcy,” he said. The senior Home Department official also alleged that armed elements linked to the banned committee had opened fire on law enforcement personnel in an effort to intensify tensions. He said the AJK government remained committed to holding the July 27 general elections on schedule and ensuring they were conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. He warned that authorities would show no leniency toward armed or violent groups and vowed legal action against those found violating the law. AJK Police spokesperson DIG Irfan Masood Kashfi said authorities had also observed what he described as a misleading social media campaign following recent firing incidents allegedly involving armed supporters of the banned group. He alleged that videos circulating online falsely portrayed armed individuals as plainclothes security personnel and said the campaign sought to distort facts surrounding attacks that resulted in casualties among security forces and civilians. Kashfi further claimed that weapons had been recovered from several leaders and activists associated with the banned committee and that investigators had obtained videos and photographs linked to the incidents. He alleged that the group’s leaders incited supporters before leaving protest sites. According to the police spokesperson, roadblocks on the Kotli-Trar Khal highway disrupted traffic and caused significant inconvenience to commuters. He said Constable Aqib was killed in firing at Baithak Baloch, while one Federal Constabulary official, two Public Works Department employees and eight AJK police personnel were injured. He added that security forces launched an operation early Wednesday to clear barricades from the Shujaabad-Kotera road, restoring traffic and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of citizens and essential supplies.
AJK govt accuses banned JAAC of undermining peace ahead of polls
Published on: July 16, 2026 10:52 AM