AJK Government Launches Clearance Operation to Reopen Routes Obstructed by Banned JAAC

The AJK government announced on Tuesday that an operation is underway to remove blockades set up by the banned Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC) at key entry and exit points, stating that it will deal firmly with anyone attempting extortion.

“We will keep the clearance operation going until every route is reopened,” said AJK Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain at a press briefing.

Hussain also reiterated the administration’s pledge to safeguard lives and keep economic and business activities running smoothly.

“The state remains dedicated to protecting lives and property from any threat, while ensuring that economic, educational and business activities continue and normal conditions are restored throughout the region,” he added.

“The government will not tolerate threats or extortion, and those responsible will face strict consequences,” he warned.

The home secretary also provided details of a violent incident that took place earlier today in Rawalakot.

He said that JAAC militants, aiming to provoke the public, fired indiscriminately to spread fear. Police moved in to stop the shooting, but the militants responded with automatic weapons and explosives targeting the officers.

In response, security forces launched an operation, with Rangers arriving to support police. Hussain added that the attackers used modern weapons and improvised explosives, killing one officer and wounding another.

Hussain stressed that clearing the area was essential because the militants were equipped with modern weaponry.

During the briefing, Hussain noted that the banned JAAC leader Khwaja Mehran had once more issued a 48‑hour ultimatum to shut down all entry points into the state.

He added, however, that most people have distanced themselves from JAAC and that the group lacks the ability to block entry points or cripple the state.

“They accused the state and attempted to mislead the public with threats and propaganda, but we will not yield to blackmail.”

Hussain said that disruptions caused by JAAC have cost the AJK government billions of rupees, harming tourism, commerce and transport.

“Their motive is not about human rights; they are adversaries of the state’s peace, development and economic stability.”

The home secretary also announced that, thanks to swift action by authorities, the banking system has been restored across the state.

Meanwhile, the AJK education secretary said the banned group is attempting to recruit women, children and students to serve as human shields.

He said the government has issued letters to schools and colleges, instructing administrators to stop students from joining any violent demonstrations.

The home secretary further announced that all higher‑level institutions, including medical colleges, have reopened across the state effective today.

“People do not desire unrest; they seek peace, stability and progress.”

Earlier this week, a former core member of the banned JAAC urged the leadership to cancel the planned long march and sit‑in in Rawalakot, noting that the month‑long agitation had caused severe hardship for Poonch residents and resulted in several deaths.

On Saturday, at least one person was killed and several others injured in clashes between protesters and security forces on a major road connecting Arja and the Rawalakot district, officials reported.

On June 5, after JAAC announced a June 9 strike, the AJK government proclaimed the group a proscribed organization. The next day, authorities began a crackdown, detaining numerous leaders and activists from various regions.

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