Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir – The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a grassroots movement advocating for the rights of Kashmiris, organized a pivotal conference titled “Haq Malkiat aur Haq Hukmarani” (Right to Ownership and Right to Governance) in Kotera Mast Khan Union Council, Beni Pasari, Bagh. The event, marked by the swearing-in ceremony of local action committee members, drew hundreds of residents and featured impassioned speeches from key leaders, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Sardar Iftikhar Zaman, Anjam Zaman Awan, and Khwaja Mehran Advocate.
Conference Highlights: Demanding Rights and Unity
The conference aimed to address systemic issues in Azad Kashmir, particularly land ownership disputes and governance challenges, which JKJAAC argues are intrinsically tied to the unresolved Kashmir conflict. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a central figure in the movement, emphasized:
“Our struggle is not just for land rights it’s a fight for dignity and self-determination. Until Kashmiris are granted the right to decide their future, local injustices will persist.”
Other speakers, including Sardar Abid Shahin and Raja Ghulam Mujtaba, echoed this sentiment, linking local grievances to the broader geopolitical stalemate over Kashmir.
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Who is Shaukat Nawaz Mir?
- Role in JKJAAC: A founding member and leading strategist, Mir has been instrumental in mobilizing public support across Azad Kashmir.
- Vision: Advocates for a non-electoral, grassroots approach to resolving Kashmir’s political and social issues, emphasizing unity between Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, and Indian-administered Jammu Kashmir.
- Public Influence: Known for his fiery oratory, Mir has become a symbol of resistance against what he calls “exploitative systems imposed by external forces.”
Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee: A Movement Beyond Politics
Since its inception two years ago, JKJAAC has emerged as a formidable force in Azad Kashmir, challenging traditional political parties and their alignment with Pakistani mainstream politics. Key aspects of the committee include:
- Non-Electoral Focus: Unlike mainstream parties, JKJAAC abstains from electoral politics, positioning itself as a people’s movement focused on advocacy and awareness.
- Cross-Society Support: The committee boasts a diverse coalition of professionals, religious leaders, activists, and youth, united under the banner of “Kashmir First.”
- Achievements: Successful campaigns include mass protests against land seizures, seminars on constitutional rights, and international advocacy for Kashmir’s right to self-determination.
Khwaja Mehran Advocate: Legal Voice of the Movement
Khwaja Mehran Advocate, a prominent JKJAAC leader, highlighted the legal dimensions of the struggle:
“Land ownership documents are being weaponized to disenfranchise Kashmiris. We demand transparency and justice—not just in courts, but in global forums.”
The Larger Kashmir Connection
JKJAAC’s ideology hinges on the belief that local issues in Azad Kashmir—such as land disputes, economic marginalization, and governance failures—cannot be resolved without addressing the core Kashmir conflict. The committee’s demands include:
- UN-Led Dialogue: A peaceful, multilateral resolution to the Kashmir dispute.
- Reunification: Recognition of Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK as part of the historic Jammu and Kashmir state.
- End to Exploitation: Halting resource extraction and land acquisitions by external entities.
Social Impact and Public Reaction
The Bagh conference has galvanized support across AJK, with residents praising JKJAAC’s inclusive approach. “They’re the only ones speaking for us, not for votes,” remarked a local farmer. However, the movement faces criticism from pro-establishment groups accusing it of “destabilizing” the region.
Political Implications
JKJAAC’s rise signals a shift in Azad Kashmir’s political landscape:
- Decline of Traditional Parties: Public trust in mainstream parties has waned amid allegations of corruption and complacency.
- Youth Mobilization: Over 60% of JKJAAC’s supporters are under 35, reflecting growing youth disillusionment with the status quo.
- International Attention: The committee’s framing of local issues within the broader Kashmir conflict has attracted scrutiny from human rights organizations.
Future Steps
JKJAAC plans to expand its network through:
- District-Level Conferences: Building grassroots committees in all 10 districts of AJK.
- Global Advocacy: Collaborating with diaspora groups to lobby at the UN and EU.
