THE impasse between Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has taken a new turn. AJK government has officially banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. According to the government notification, the group was declared a proscribed organization because it has been acting against state peace, spreading hatred and trying to create deep anarchy and public insecurity. This ban comes after the JAAC persistently refused to engage in institutional dialogue and called for a massive wheel-jam strike on June 9. This strike date directly threatens the region’s democratic path. The AJK Election Commission has scheduled general elections for July 27 and June 9 is the exact day candidates are supposed to start filing their nomination papers till June 19. By attempting to shut down........

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