The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has stepped up its action against the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) by launching formal legal proceedings against two of its key leaders, Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad.
Authorities have accused the two leaders of sedition and anti-state activities. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Muzaffarabad has been directed to complete an investigation against Mir under Section 124-A of the AJK Penal Code, while the SSP in Mirpur will investigate allegations against Arshad.
The AJK Home Department said it reviewed available evidence and found sufficient grounds for further legal investigation. The inquiries will examine alleged criminal speeches, writings, publications, and electronic communications linked to the two leaders.
The department has also instructed district police officials to complete investigations under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and submit challans before the relevant courts.
The latest developments come days after the AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws on June 5. Officials said the group was involved in activities that threatened the peace and security of the state.
On Monday, police reported that members of the banned organisation allegedly opened fire on law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot. The incident left four security officials martyred and injured more than 20 police and security personnel.
The fresh action follows reports of violent incidents in Rawalakot and the emergence of an alleged leaked audio recording involving Mir and Arshad.
In a separate notification, the AJK Home Department released a list of four wanted individuals linked to the banned organisation. The list includes Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, and Sardar Aman Khan.
Authorities announced a reward of Rs10 million for information leading to the arrest of the wanted individuals. The government said the identities of informants would remain confidential. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been directed to ensure immediate implementation of the reward scheme.
Meanwhile, Syed Faisal Gilani, a former member of JAAC, announced that he was severing ties with the organisation. He also condemned the violent attacks reported in Rawalakot.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the situation in AJK remained under control and that authorities were taking measures to protect lives and property.
He said the banned organisation was being exposed and noted that the federal government had started implementing several of the group’s demands. However, he argued that recent developments suggested the organisation’s objectives extended beyond those demands.
Talal Chaudhry also maintained that conditions across AJK, including Rawalakot, were normal. Responding to questions about reported deaths during recent protests, he said a detailed statement on the matter would be issued separately.