Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bans JAAC, Seals Office and Confiscates Weapons

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police and district officials sealed the central office of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). During the raid, officers recovered a submachine gun, a 12‑bore rifle and a pistol, which were taken into custody. The operation was carried out under direction of the AJK government as part of a crackdown on the group, which authorities label as engaged in anti‑state activities.

On June 6, the AJK government declared JAAC a banned organization under the Anti‑Terrorism Act 2014, citing intimidation, hate‑mongering and threats to peace and security. The decision, approved by the AJK president, came days before a planned June 9 wheel‑jam strike and shortly after the Election Commission set July 27 for regional elections. Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore warned against “mob rule” and stressed that disruptive protests would be dealt with under the law. Human‑rights figures criticised the ban as a violation of fundamental rights, while the raid itself was reported as peaceful with no resistance.