Legal Proceedings Started Against Key Leaders
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has started formal legal action against leaders of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee over sedition and anti-state activity allegations.
The proceedings have been initiated against Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad. Authorities said the cases require further investigation under the law.
The Muzaffarabad Senior Superintendent of Police has been directed to complete the investigation against Mir under Section 124-A of the AJK Penal Code. The Mirpur Senior Superintendent of Police will investigate allegations against Arshad.
According to the AJK Home Department, the available material was reviewed before the decision was taken. The department said the allegations involve criminal speeches, writings, publications and electronic communications.
District police chiefs have been instructed to complete the legal process under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. They have also been asked to submit charge reports before the relevant courts.
Four Wanted Individuals Named by Home Department
The AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws on June 5. The government said the group was involved in activities harmful to peace and security.
The latest legal action comes after an alleged leaked audio involving Mir and Arshad. It also follows violent incidents reported in Rawalakot.
AJK police said on Monday that firing by members of the banned organisation killed four law enforcement personnel and injured more than 20 police and security officials in Rawalakot.
Separately, the AJK Home Department issued a list of four wanted individuals linked to the banned organisation. The notification named Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, Umar Nazir Kashmiri and Sardar Aman Khan.
The department announced a reward of Rs10 million for information leading to their arrest. It also said the identity of informants would remain confidential.
The AJK Inspector General of Police has been directed to ensure immediate implementation of the reward scheme.
Government Says Situation Is Under Control
Meanwhile, Syed Faisal Gilani, a former JAAC member, announced that he was dissociating himself from the banned group. He also condemned the violent attacks reported in Rawalakot.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the situation in AJK was under control. He said authorities were protecting lives and property.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, he claimed that the banned organisation was being exposed. He said the federal government had started implementing the group’s demands in a sincere manner.
However, he added that despite progress on those demands, recent developments suggested that the group’s objective appeared to be different.
He maintained that conditions across AJK, including Rawalakot, were normal and under control.
Responding to a question about reported deaths during recent protests, the minister said a detailed press release would be issued regarding the final death toll.
The developments have increased political and security pressure in AJK as authorities move forward with investigations, arrests and legal proceedings against the banned organisation’s leadership.
