AJK Authorities Denounce Disinformation Amid Ongoing Regional Unrest
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) administration is facing a complex challenge as it battles both civil unrest and a “hybrid warfare” campaign characterized by the spread of misleading information. On Thursday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) retired Captain Liaqat Ali Malik held a press conference to set the record straight, cautioning citizens—both at home and within the global diaspora—against relying on AI-generated content and unverified reports circulating online. The IGP emphasized that the region is being targeted by a deliberate misinformation campaign, urging the Kashmiri community in the UK, Europe, and beyond to verify all data through official government channels and state-managed social media platforms.
A primary focus of the IGP’s address was to debunk rumors regarding the closure of the territory’s borders. Addressing widespread speculation that the government has restricted the movement of goods and public transport, Malik clarified that all major entry points—including Kohala, Azad Pattan, and Bararkot—remain fully operational. According to the IGP, these checkpoints are subject only to standard security protocols rather than restrictive blockades. He countered narratives suggesting state-led suppression of trade by asserting that it is, in fact, the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) that has been responsible for obstructing traffic, claiming that activists have intermittently erected road barriers and interfered with goods-laden trucks.
The current atmosphere in AJK remains tense as the region navigates a government-ordered shutdown of internet services and the closure of most petrol stations. On the ground, the impact of the ongoing strike is visibly inconsistent across different divisions. While the Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions have experienced a partial economic shutdown, with residents enduring long queues and rationing at the few fuel stations permitted to operate, life in the Mirpur division has largely continued without interruption. This disparity highlights the localized intensity of the protests, as the government continues to enforce its authority against the backdrop of a volatile public sentiment.
Taking a firm stance against the dissent emanating from within its own ranks, the AJK government has intensified disciplinary actions against public sector employees associated with the protests. Recent administrative notifications confirm that a significant number of officials—ranging from education department teachers and laboratory staff to electricity department workers—have been suspended for engaging in activities deemed incompatible with government service rules. State sources have indicated that this is merely the beginning, warning that those found supporting movements that challenge the writ of the state will face further investigations, which could result in permanent dismissal from their positions.
Despite the government’s efforts to suppress the influence of the proscribed outfit, the JAAC remains defiant. On Thursday night, the organization issued a statement formally announcing its intention to continue its protest campaign. Addressing speculation regarding a potential “long march” toward the capital, the leadership explicitly distanced itself from such tactics, vowing instead to sustain momentum through a series of peaceful sit-ins. This decision suggests an evolving protest strategy that aims to maintain pressure on the administration while attempting to avoid the escalation that would inevitably follow a large-scale mass mobilization.
As the situation develops, the AJK government continues to rely on its Public Information Department to issue clarifications and combat what it terms “hybrid warfare.” By repeatedly citing administrative protocols and pointing to the official fact-checking platforms on X, the state is attempting to regain control over the narrative to prevent civil unrest from spiraling into further chaos. With both the government and the JAAC standing their ground, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the region can restore stability or if the current cycle of administrative warnings, service suspensions, and public protest will continue to define the socio-political landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.