MUZAFFARABAD: The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Tuesday initiated formal legal proceedings against the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leaders Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad over sedition and anti-state activities, the Home Department said.
The government has tasked Muzaffarabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to complete investigations against Nawaz Mir under Section 124-A of the AJK Penal Code, while Mirpur SSP will probe allegations against Khawaja Mehran Arshad, the Home Department said.
After reviewing available material, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Home Department said that the allegations warranted further investigation under the law.
According to the Home Department, investigations have been ordered into criminal speeches, writings, publications and electronic communications.
The Home Department further instructed relevant district police chiefs to complete investigations under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and submit challans before the relevant courts.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government declared the Joint Awami Action Committee a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws on June 5, saying the group was “engaged in terrorism, acting in a manner prejudicial to the peace and security of the State”.
On Monday, Azad Jammu and Kashmir police said that deliberate firing by armed miscreants of the banned group left four law enforcement personnel martyred and more than 20 police and security officials injured in Rawalakot.
The fresh directives from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Home Department follow a leaked call audio recording involving Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad and violent incidents in Rawalakot.
In the leaked call recording, Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad were discussing plans involving bloodshed, sabotage, blockades and confrontations with state institutions in Rawalakot.
The audio was broadcast by several national media outlets on Monday night.
Officials said similarities between the contents of the leaked audio and subsequent violent incidents in Rawalakot had strengthened the basis for the investigation. Investigators are examining planning, coordination, incitement and possible links to later events.
The government has directed that all aspects related to attacks on state institutions, damage to public property, disruption of public order and incitement to violence be included in the inquiry.
Authorities said action would be taken against all individuals found involved in planning, facilitating or encouraging violent activity, in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Home Department issued a list of four wanted individuals linked to the banned Joint Action Committee.
The notification named Nawaz Mir, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, Umar Nazir Kashmiri and Sardar Aman Khan.
The notification announced a reward of Rs 10 million for information leading to the arrest of the wanted individuals, saying the identity of informants would remain confidential.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Inspector General of Police (IGP) was directed to ensure the immediate implementation of the reward scheme to nab the wanted individuals.
Meanwhile, Syed Faisal Gilani, who was a member of the banned JAAC, announced his dissociation from the banned organisation, condemning the violent attacks carried out in Rawalakot.
Separately, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said that the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was under control and that authorities were ensuring the protection of lives and property.
The banned organisation is being exposed, he told journalists in Islamabad, saying that the federal government had begun implementing the banned JAAC’s demands in a sincere manner.
Despite progress on those demands, the developments suggested that JAAC’s “objective is something else”, Minister Chaudhry added.
Talal Chaudhry also maintained that conditions across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including in Rawalakot, were normal and under control.
Responding to a question about reported deaths during the recent protests, the state minister said that a detailed press release would be issued regarding the death toll.
