AJK puts 147 JAAC activists, supporters on Fourth Schedule

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has placed 147 activists and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, even as a standoff between the group’s protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot continued on Friday and a region-wide strike entered its 11th day. According to official notifications issued by the AJK Home Department, those placed on the Fourth Schedule included 33 activists from Poonch, 31 from Sudhnoti, 15 each from Kotli and Bagh, 14 from Mirpur, 10 from Bhimber, eight each from Neelum and Haveli, and four from Muzaffarabad. The notifications said the decision had been taken at the 41st meeting of the AJK cabinet on June 5. Strike enters its 11th day; life remains disrupted across much of Poonch, Muzaffarabad divisions Official sources said more names could be added to the Fourth Schedule on the basis of intelligence reports and ongoing investigations. One official claimed that the properties of those placed on the list could also be attached and sealed. Though there was no official statement on the situation in Rawalakot, sources said protesters continued to assemble daily at Eidgah Ground, with their numbers fluctuating from day to day. A senior official, speaking to Dawn on condition of anonymity, claimed that some JAAC leaders had been delivering inflammatory speeches to keep protesters mobilised. He said the authorities had adopted a strategy aimed at ending the sit-in without resorting to force, including disrupting the supply of food reaching protesters through different routes. The official further claimed that lists were being compiled of government employees allegedly supporting or facilitating the protesters — either through participation in demonstrations or by providing accommodation and meals — for strict disciplinary action. Meanwhile, life remained disrupted across much of Poonch and Muzaffarabad divisions, where businesses along major roads and in ma