ISLAMABAD: Adil Awan, an Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) councillor and core leader of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has resigned from the organisation, warning that a small group within the movement is attempting to push it towards extremism and violence.
In a video statement, he described elements within the organisation Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee as pushing it towards extremism and urged people to distance themselves from activities directed against the state and security forces.
Adil Awan succeeded Shaukat Nawaz as the interim core leader of the banned organisation after the latter’s arrest.
Adil Awan said in a statement that he had initially stood with the movement but could no longer associate himself with a movement that is changing direction towards violence and unrest.
“I would like to separate myself from this movement. I would like to resign,” Awan said, adding that he would henceforth have nothing to do with the movement.
He said his responsibilities as a local councillor remained focused on addressing the basic needs and problems of his ward and local community.
“As a councillor, it is my moral duty to look at the problems of my area and my ward and talk about the basic needs and rights,” he said, adding that he would continue to perform that role.
Awan said he would not accept statements or activities directed against the state. “A small number of people were attempting to “hijack” the movement and take it towards extremism,” he added.
‘Movement Being Hijacked’
He appealed to people in his area to remain cautious of individuals associated with the action committee whom he accused of pursuing such activities.
“I will always stand there whenever there is a basic need,” Awan said. “But when it comes to extremism, I will never go along with that.”
He stressed that his decision did not mean abandoning peaceful public mobilisation over legitimate local grievances.
“We have always been a part of the peaceful movement. We will continue to be a part of it,” he said, distinguishing peaceful civic demands and what he called extremist activities.
Awan also said the action committee platform in his area had effectively been disbanded.
“Those still operating it are attempting to lead people towards activities against the state, country and security forces,” he added.
His remarks come against the backdrop of months of unrest involving the Joint Awami Action Committee, a movement that emerged in 2023 around demands including cheaper electricity and flour, reduction of official privileges and greater economic and political rights in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The movement expanded its demands and staged repeated protests and shutdowns.
An agreement was reached between the AJK government and the committee in October 2025, but differences resurfaced in 2026 over several political demands.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government proscribed the JAAC on June 5 under the region’s Anti-Terrorism Act, accusing it of activities prejudicial to peace and security.
The government has said that many of the committee’s demands had been implemented or were under consideration.
But disputes remained over politically sensitive issues, including the demand to abolish 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
