Impasse in Azad Kashmir politics

THE impasse between Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has taken a new turn. AJK government has officially banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. According to the government notification, the group was declared a proscribed organization because it has been acting against state peace, spreading hatred and trying to create deep anarchy and public insecurity. This ban comes after the JAAC persistently refused to engage in institutional dialogue and called for a massive wheel-jam strike on June 9. This strike date directly threatens the region’s democratic path. The AJK Election Commission has scheduled general elections for July 27 and June 9 is the exact day candidates are supposed to start filing their nomination papers till June 19. By attempting to shut down the state on this day, the JAAC is actively blocking voters and candidates from participating in the democratic process. What makes this situation far more dangerous is how India and its mainstream media are exploiting the crisis. Indian media outlets have launched a massive propaganda campaign, highlighting the JAAC’s protests to portray Azad Kashmir as an unstable and failing region. By giving extensive coverage and twisted narratives to the group’s actions, New Delhi is using the JAAC and its stubbornness as a weapon to damage Pakistan’s stance on the global stage. AJK is a highly sensitive border territory and any forced chaos on the streets gives Indian narrative machinery exactly what it wants to hurt the Kashmir cause. Interestingly, the JAAC has continued its agitation even though the government has already accepted 35 out of its 38 original public demands. The state has shown immense flexibility by withdrawing 177 FIRs, paying 70 million PKR in compensation to families of deceased protesters and giving 48 million PKR to injured citizens. Major relief was also provided through reduced electricity tariffs, waived surcharges and a smaller ca