A police officer stands guard beside a convoy of vehicles for police patrol in Muzaffarabad. Photo: REUTERS
MUZAFFARABAD:
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Tuesday announced a reward of Rs10 million for information leading to the arrest of four wanted individuals linked to the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
“The president of Azad Jammu & Kashmir has been pleased to fix Rs10m reward money to be granted to any person who provides information leading to the successful arrest of the following offenders belonging to the proscribed JAAC,” said a notification.
The development emerged after fatal clashes in AJK sparked competing accounts over casualties, governance grievances and political legitimacy, with official sources confirming at least seven deaths.
Last week, the AJK government banned the JAAC, accusing it of involvement in terrorism, promoting hatred, and creating anarchy in the state.
The ban followed the JAAC’s call for a protest on June 9. The organisation has previously spearheaded mass protests demanding economic relief and political rights, with some demonstrations ending in violence and fatalities during confrontations with law enforcement authorities in May 2024 and September 2025.
The individuals named in the notification are Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad and Sardar Aman Khan. It further stated that the identity of the informant would be kept strictly confidential.
The AJK Home Department also directed the inspector general of police to take the necessary steps for the immediate implementation of the reward scheme.
Meanwhile, Syed Faisal Gilani, a key JAAC member, announced complete disassociation from the party.
In his statement, Gilani strongly condemned the attacks in Rawalakot, saying that the “JAAC was playing a festival of blood with the lives of innocent citizens.” Gilani further stated that he had become part of the JAAC for the sake of public interests, but unfortunately, it had deviated from its original path.
“The people of Azad Kashmir are rejecting the banned JAAC violent rhetoric and proving themselves to be conscious citizens,” he said.
According to APP, law enforcement agencies conducted a targeted, intelligence-based operation in the Chehla area of Muzaffarabad, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.
According to security sources, authorities seized laptops, mobile phones, and various communication devices during the raid.
“Initial investigations into the digital devices have already revealed suspicious links and sensitive material. During interrogation, information provided by one of the detainees led to the recovery of a large cache of arms, including seven automatic weapons, multiple grenades, and other military hardware.”
Sources added that maps of sensitive installations, alleged attack plans, and documents related to high-security locations were also confiscated. The investigators “uncovered evidence pointing to alleged contact with hostile foreign intelligence agencies”.
As the forensic and technical analysis of the recovered digital devices and materials was currently underway, the investigators were expanding the scope of the probe to identify possible facilitators, financial backers and the broader network behind the group.
Security sources emphasised that the timely operation successfully averted a potential threat to sensitive installations and public safety.
Reaffirming their commitment to national security, authorities vowed to maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards activities threatening state security, public order and national interests, promising strict action against all anti-state elements.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies were continuing their comprehensive investigation and appealed to the public to immediately report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
Separately, Kashmiri, one of the proscribed leaders, said the group’s movement was peaceful and it would prefer to emerge with honour instead of surrendering before the authorities.
The JAAC said many people from various parts of the territory were joining it for its protest call.
The group claimed that three young men were killed in Kotli while more continued to be injured.
Lockdown call fails
A protest call issued by the JAAC failed to receive a public response in various cities of AJK, as normal life continued uninterrupted in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli and other districts.
According to reports from different parts of AJK, business centres, markets and commercial activities remained operational throughout the day. Local residents rejected the protest call and expressed support for peace, stability and development.
Attendance at both public and private institutions was normal, while educational institutions remained open and traffic flow was unaffected.
In Mirpur, residents distanced themselves from the protest call, saying a lockdown would disrupt economic activity and particularly affect daily-wage earners.
Citizens said outstanding issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, adding that any violent protest could provide an opportunity for hostile elements to exploit the situation.
Residents also reaffirmed their commitment to the strong and inseparable relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir, stating that no one would be allowed to disturb peace and order.
They said protest activities could undermine AJK’s peaceful environment and adversely affect the ongoing development process.
People urged all stakeholders to adopt negotiations as the preferred mechanism for resolving issues. Emphasising the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment, local communities continued their daily activities as usual.
JAAC announced a protest on June 9 against the AJK government’s alleged violation of an agreement regarding the annulment of refugees’ seats in the AJK legislature. The government on June 5 declared JAAC a proscribed organisation and sealed its headquarters in Muzaffarabad.
Meanwhile, the PTI expressed grief and concern over the loss of lives and the escalating violence.
“The recent clashes in Rawalakot and other areas, resulting in the deaths of civilians and law enforcement personnel, along with numerous injuries, have deeply saddened the party and the entire nation,” a statement issued by the party read.