MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Thursday placed 150 members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on the Fourth Schedule under the Anti-Terrorism Act over their involvement in terrorism and violent activities.
The action was taken through ten separate notifications issued by the Home Department under Section 16(1) of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act and includes four senior leaders of the banned group, as well as other members against whom authorities had substantial evidence.
“Pursuant to the decision of the 41st Cabinet meeting held on 05.06.2026, the President, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, on the basis of recommendations received from the Central Police Office and in exercise of the powers conferred under section 16 (1) of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014 (as amended up to date), is pleased to accord approval for the placement of the following individuals on the Fourth Schedule, who are activists of the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JK-JAAC), an organization proscribed under Section 12 of the act,” the notification read as issued by Azad Jammu and Kashmir Home Department.
Among those listed are four top ringleaders of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, as well as members against whom substantial evidence of involvement in violent activities exists.
The top ringleaders of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, who were placed on the Fourth Schedule, include Shoukat Nawaz Mir, Raja Amjid Ali Khan, Anjum Zaman Awan, and Raja Sohaib Javed.
Meanwhile, a fresh leaked audio recording surfaced, revealing discussions involving senior members of the banned JAAC on escalating unrest and disrupting essential services.
The banned group has increasingly been linked to disruptive activities across several towns and cities in AJK. It is accused of enforcing strikes, blocking roads, damaging public and private property, and carrying out attacks that have killed security personnel and civilians.
The leaked audio, featuring conversations between Advocate Shah Nawaz and Majid Ali, who are key figures within the group, contains discussions on strategies aimed at worsening the prevailing situation.
Voices heard in the recording discuss plans to block roads and halt the functioning of hospitals, raising concerns about the potential impact on ordinary citizens.
The recording also captures conversations about intimidating law enforcement agencies and using provocative slogans to mobilise supporters and inflame tensions.
In another segment, one participant is heard advising against voluntary arrests and encouraging resistance against state authorities.
Security and political analysts say the latest revelations have reinforced concerns over the activities of the banned organisation.
Experts contend that the committee’s actions have increasingly alienated residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom now recognise what they describe as the group’s disruptive and anti-state agenda.
Analysts further maintain that, in light of attempts to foment instability, a significant section of the Kashmiri public supports the government’s decision to impose restrictions on the organisation and endorses measures aimed at maintaining law and order.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government had declared JAAC as a proscribed organisation over its involvement in unlawful and terrorism-related activities.
