Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government spokesperson Chaudhry Guftar Hussain and DIG Irfan Masood said during a press conference that the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) was banned due to its alleged involvement in anti-state activities.
They stated that banned JAAC opened fire and created unrest when authorities attempted to reopen the closed highways. They said the government had shown patience regarding the committee’s actions and had always preferred negotiations and dialogue to resolve public issues.
The spokesperson said the Government of Pakistan had consistently focused on resolving public grievances through reconciliation and supported the JAAC as long as it raised issues related to public rights.
He added that the committee was banned after an alleged shift towards an anti-state narrative and that action was taken when the JAAC, according to the government, became part of an external conspiracy against Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
He further stated that JAAC members opened fire when authorities attempting to reopen blocked highways, used women and children as shields, and blocked roads in Rawalakot and surrounding areas.
Responding a question DIG Irfan Masood made it clear that government has a constitutional and moral responsibility to reopen closed roads for the public. However, he claimed that every attempt to restore traffic on blocked highways faced resistance and firing from members of the banned JAAC.
He said that in Shujaabad, the road restoration team came under heavy firing from nearby areas and forests, resulting in injuries to law enforcement personnel.
Responding a question, AJK spokesperson has said it has received reports that the banned JAAC is planning to use women and children as human shields in front of law enforcement agencies, keep them at sit-ins against their will, and bring them forward carrying the Holy Quran and white flags.
The government termed the reported move condemnable, saying the use of the Holy Quran in any conflict or confrontation is against its sanctity and Islamic teachings and will not be permitted.
The spokesperson said that provocation, damage to government property, and attacks on law enforcement agencies are unacceptable. He added that the banned committee had appealed to students to participate in the July 13 protest while wearing school and college uniforms. He further alleged that students were being planned to take part in the July 15 long march towards Muzaffarabad and stand on the front line.
The spokesperson said that in the event of any untoward incident, the responsibility would rest entirely with the banned JAAC. He added that ensuring the rule of law and providing protection and relief to innocent citizens is the constitutional responsibility of the government.
Answering another question, he reiterated that the general elections for the AJK Legislative Assembly will be held according to the announced schedule, with no possibility of any delay or change. He said all administrative and security arrangements have been completed to ensure free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections.
