72 held in AJK crackdown as govt defends JAAC ban
Home Police say weapons and documents were recovered, while JAAC rejects allegations and vows peaceful protest Police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Saturday said they had arrested around 72 individuals allegedly affiliated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during operations carried out over the past 18 hours, a day after the government outlawed the organisation under anti-terrorism laws. The development came after the AJK government banned the JAAC, accusing it of involvement in terrorism, promoting hatred and creating anarchy in the state ahead of a protest announced for June 9. In a statement, the AJK Police said the arrests were made as part of efforts to maintain law and order and protect citizens' lives and property. Read: AJK govt bans Joint Awami Action Committee as tensions rise ahead of June 9 protest call The police claimed that weapons, communication devices and suspicious documents had been recovered during the operation. Authorities also alleged they had seized material related to plans that could affect public order, as well as evidence purportedly indicating organised protest and violent activity patterns.
Published: June 6, 2026 4:08 pm
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original