JAAC: From advocacy to anarchy

Hassan Ahmad ACTING under Section 12 of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014, the AJK Government has proscribed the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on June 5, 2026. Justification for this apparently tough action revolves around prevention of anarchy vis-à-vis terrorism, incitement to violence and activities prejudicial to peace and security of the state. The official notification states there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that the alliance has officially crossed the line into blatant terrorism. Authorities specifically cited a recent violent escalation where an activist linked to the movement opened fire on police personnel, injuring multiple officers. Few details are very disturbing! Following subsequent police crackdowns, officials claimed recovery of weapons, communication gadgets and “suspicious documents” detailing organized plans for violent agitational activities. AJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore defended the proscription by drawing a line between peaceful protest and paralyzing public infrastructure. The government highlighted the JAAC’s coercive use of the strike slogan “Band, Matlab Band” (Closed means Closed), which authorities argue amounts to public intimidation and forced closure of businesses rather than democratic expression. Extra-ordinary vigour shown for the protest by JAAC seems pointed at disrupting the process of upcoming general election. The proscription was implemented just hours after the Election Commission announced July 27, 2026, as the date for general election. The JAAC had planned a massive, indefinite “wheel-jam” strike and a sit-in to surround the Legislative Assembly starting June 9; meaningfully coincided exactly with the opening day for candidate nomination filings. The government justified the ban as a necessary measure to prevent the group from obstructing candidates, influencing the electoral process and sabotaging regional democratic functions. The crisis is heavily fueled