MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir ( AJK) has placed 147 activists and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee ( JAAC) on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, even as a standoff between the group ’ s protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot continued on Friday and a region-wide strike entered its 11th day. According to official notifications issued by the AJK Home Department, those placed on the Fourth Schedule included 33 activists from Poonch, 31 from Sudhnoti, 15 each from Kotli and Bagh, 14 from Mirpur, 10 from Bhimber, eight each from Neelum and Haveli, and four from Muzaffarabad. The announcement is expected to have broad implications in the days ahead.

Background and Context

The broader picture helps clarify the significance of what has unfolded.

Strike enters its 11th day; life remains disrupted across much of Poonch, Muzaffarabad divisions Authority sources said more names could be noted to the Fourth Schedule on the basis of intelligence reports and ongoing investigations.

One official claimed that the properties of those placed on the list could also be attached and sealed.

Compounding the significance of these events, though there was no official statement on the situation in Rawalakot, sources reported protesters continued to assemble daily at Eidgah Ground, with their numbers fluctuating from day to day.

Political Implications

Those with expertise in the area say the timing of this development is particularly notable.

A senior official, speaking to Dawn on condition of anonymity, claimed that some JAAC leaders had been delivering inflammatory speeches to keep protesters mobilised.

In what observers are describing as a key detail, he said the authorities had adopted a strategy aimed at ending the sit-in without resorting to force, such as disrupting the supply of food reaching protesters through different routes.

In a related development, the spokesperson further claimed that lists were being compiled of government employees allegedly supporting or facilitating the protesters — either through participation in demonstrations or by providing accommodation and meals — for strict disciplinary step.

What This Means for Americans

Policymakers, citizens, and institutions will all need to grapple with what comes next.

Meanwhile, life remained disrupted across much of Poonch and Muzaffarabad divisions, where businesses along major roads and in markets remained closed for the 11th consecutive day on Friday.

In a detail that has not gone unnoticed, residents continued to face difficulties due to the suspension of internet services, which has also disrupted banking operations.

Against this backdrop, many residents have been travelling to Garhi Habibullah in Khyber Pakht­unkhwa, around 20 kilometres from Muzaffarabad, to purchase essential commodities and refuel their vehicles.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, several motorists complained they were unable to obtain fuel, while others alleged that petrol was being sold unofficially in bottles at inflated prices.

Alongside the primary story, “ Those in authority should negotiate and accept at least those demands that are reasonable and legitimate so that normal life can resume, ” he said.

What Comes Next

The developments detailed here represent only the latest chapter in an ongoing story. As more information becomes available, the full picture is expected to come into sharper focus for those following the situation.