MUZAFFARABAD: Non-partisan elders from across Azad Jammu and Kashmir have submitted a set of demands to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is now proscribed, calling for the immediate surrender before the law of individuals involved in recent violent incidents in various parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Rawalakot, Kotli and Khai Gala, in which several personnel of law enforcement agencies and innocent civilians were killed and significant damage was caused to public property.
In a statement, the non-partisan elders demanded that all individuals involved in the Rawalakot attack, especially the 14 persons responsible for the severe torture and killing of a police sub-inspector and two constables, should be handed over to law enforcement immediately.
The statement also called for the handover of suspects involved in a firing incident in Kotli, in which two Rangers personnel were killed, as well as those accused of attacking a police checkpoint in Khai Gala during the night between 5 and 6 June. It stressed that all accused would retain the right to defend themselves in judicial proceedings.
In addition, the elders demanded legal action against individuals involved in cutting trees, damaging roads, and blocking transportation routes, which they said had contributed to shortages of essential goods for the public.
They cautioned against turning ongoing long march activities into armed confrontation with state institutions, urging political actors to pursue their demands strictly through constitutional and legal channels.
The statement further called for action against individuals inciting hatred against citizens of Azad Jammu and Kashmir by labelling them as facilitators, saying such practices should be curbed.
The elders also proposed internal restructuring of the Joint Awami Action Committee, which is currently proscribed, suggesting that its core committee be reduced from 33 to 10 members, with a single empowered representative designated to handle negotiations and ensure compliance with agreed terms.
It is noted that the JAAC has been proscribed by the government over its alleged involvement in unlawful and terrorism-related activities. Separately, public sentiment in Muzaffarabad strongly reflected rejection of unrest, with residents expressing support for peace and stability.
Citizens raised slogans in favour of Pakistan, stating that Kashmir remains closely tied to the country’s ideological and emotional foundations.
Participants in public gatherings said they rejected all calls for chaos, stressing that no movement would be accepted that threatens public order or state stability.
They reaffirmed their commitment to peace and their longstanding association with Pakistan. Due to the imposition of Section 144, police dispersed gatherings in parts of the city as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the Bhimber Azad Kashmir Hussainia Association has announced that it disassociates itself from the banned Joint Awami Action Committee and has appealed for the protest to end.
