AJK Announces Rs10 Million Reward for Arrest of JAAC Leaders Amid Deadly Unrest
Muzaffarabad,: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has announced a reward of Rs10 million for information leading to the arrest of four wanted individuals linked to the recently proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
According to an official notification, the reward has been approved by the AJK President and will be granted to anyone providing credible information resulting in the successful arrest of the nominated suspects. Authorities also assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
The individuals named include Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, and Sardar Aman Khan. The Home Department has directed the Inspector General of Police to ensure immediate implementation of the reward scheme.
The announcement comes in the aftermath of violent clashes in various parts of AJK during recent protests, which officials say left at least seven people dead, while the JAAC disputes the figures and allegations.
Last week, the AJK government banned the JAAC, accusing it of spreading hatred, creating unrest, and involvement in unlawful activities. The group had called for a protest on June 9, which later turned violent in several areas.
Meanwhile, JAAC leaders and the government have exchanged conflicting claims over casualties and responsibility for the violence. Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has repeatedly urged the group to return to the negotiating table, stressing that political issues must be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Security forces have also conducted targeted operations in Muzaffarabad, arresting suspects and recovering weapons, communication devices, and alleged sensitive materials, according to official sources. Investigations are ongoing.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue operations and call for calm, while political efforts for dialogue remain stalled amid rising unrest.
