ISLAMABAD: Police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have arrested several facilitators linked to the financial network of a proscribed Awami Action Committee, exposing an organised funding channel for unrest and violent activities.
According to security sources, the network was involved in collecting money from citizens through harassment and intimidation, while funds were also being arranged from overseas sources.
Officials said the money was being used to support the Rawalakot sit-in and other activities aimed at disturbing peace in Azad Kashmir.
Arrests during fund transfer
Police arrested members of the network while they were transferring funds to Rawalakot. One arrested facilitator, identified as Mehtab Ahmed, admitted that a committee leader named Hamza had called him and directed him to collect funds from different people and send them to Rawalakot.
“I was arrested by Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police while taking funds to Rawalakot,” Mehtab was quoted as saying.
Another arrested facilitator, Rizwan, said Hamza had instructed him to collect money from various people and hand it over to Mehtab.
Officials also said Hamza’s father admitted providing financial assistance to the proscribed committee, saying his son had asked him to send money for Rawalakot. He later announced complete dissociation from the group.
Experts warn against unrest
Security experts said a group collecting money from innocent citizens in the name of public rights could not be considered a genuine protector of public welfare.
They said a movement that began with slogans of cheap flour, affordable electricity and public rights had now been hijacked by elements pursuing unrest, confrontation and an anti-state agenda.
Experts added that the people of Azad Kashmir were increasingly rejecting such networks and standing with peace, stability and national unity.
