The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has warned that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) will be held fully responsible for any untoward incidents during its planned student protests and march to Muzaffarabad.
Addressing a joint press conference, AJK government spokesperson Chaudhry Guftar Hussain and AJK Police spokesperson Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Irfan Masood Kashfi confirmed that the proscribed organisation has called on students to participate in demonstrations scheduled for July 14 and 15, culminating in a march to the capital.
According to government officials, all 38 demands presented by the committee under an agreement signed on October 4, 2025, had initially been accepted. However, authorities alleged that the organisation later shifted from advocating public rights to pursuing anti-state objectives, leading to its ban under the law.
Officials claimed the group’s ongoing 36-day sit-in has severely disrupted the supply of food, medicines and other essential commodities across Poonch Division, while road blockades have significantly affected transportation and public movement.
DIG Kashfi said the government has a constitutional responsibility to restore road access but alleged that teams attempting to clear blocked routes have faced armed resistance.
According to police, security personnel came under fire during an operation in Shujaabad, while a bulldozer operator was allegedly attacked in Arja-Jhandala during road clearance efforts. Authorities also accused protesters of attacking supply vehicles, looting goods and siphoning fuel.
The government further alleged that the banned JAAC plans to place women and children at the front of demonstrations while carrying copies of the Holy Quran and white flags, describing the alleged strategy as unacceptable and contrary to Islamic values.
Officials reiterated that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order and confirmed that preparations for the upcoming AJK Legislative Assembly elections have been completed, with polling set to proceed as scheduled.
