AJK Home Secretary Discloses Social Media Campaigns Using Baseless Claims to Incite Public Unrest by Proscribed Group

Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Home Secretary, Chaudhry Guftar Hussain, stated on Wednesday that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) orchestrated coordinated social media campaigns employing baseless claims and propaganda to incite public unrest against the state.

Hussain emphasized that the organization resorted to deploying women and children as human shields, a tactic he described as both unethical and detrimental to the core values of Kashmiri society. He warned that such actions diverted students from their education, jeopardizing their future prospects.

The Home Secretary criticized the JAAC’s anti-state narratives, which he said sought to undermine the historically strong relationship between Pakistan and AJK. He added that the group obstructed public movement by blocking roads, disrupted daily life, and aimed to destabilize the region’s peace, economy, and law and order systems.

“All these tactics reveal the group’s true intent: to damage AJK’s stability rather than advocate for genuine rights,” Hussain asserted. He vowed the government would continue implementing measures to safeguard public safety and maintain order.

Hussain noted that provocative actions by the JAAC consistently preceded accusations leveled against state institutions. He highlighted instances where armed groups targeted unarmed citizens and reported attacks on civilians.

The official also criticized JAAC leaders for invoking victimhood when their members faced harm, a stance he characterized as “regrettable.” Despite these challenges, Hussain assured that the scheduled July 27 elections in AJK would proceed as planned, with all political parties actively campaigning across the region, including Poonch division.

Recent clashes in Poonch division resulted in the deaths of two security personnel and seven JAAC activists. Hussain reaffirmed the state’s commitment to preserving its relationship with Pakistan, emphasizing efforts to counter anti-state actors. He disclosed that the JAAC had implicated the Pakistan Army in its statements, raising serious concerns about its objectives and affiliations.

AJK Police spokesperson Irfan Masood Kashfi confirmed police operations aim to restore normalcy and protect lives. Following Tuesday’s confrontations, authorities cleared a roadblock in the Shujaabad Kotera area on Wednesday morning. He pledged continued efforts to dismantle obstacles imposed by the proscribed group and restore unimpeded public movement.

Earlier, the Home Secretary had warned that individuals obstructing roads at entry and exit points would face “an iron hand” response. A former JAAC core member had also urged the group to suspend its month-long protest in Rawalakot, citing widespread hardship in Poonch after several fatalities.

On Saturday, clashes along a key Arja-Rawalakot road resulted in one death and multiple injuries. The JAAC’s June 9 strike triggered a crackdown on June 5, leading to the arrest of over 100 leaders and activists. Following these actions, the government formally proscribed the organization on June 6.

Source link