JAAC Leader Shaukat Nawaz Shokeen Arrested by Azad Kashmir Police After Evading Capture, Found Hiding in Bushes

MUZAFFARABAD - In a significant blow to the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Azad Kashmir Police have arrested central leader Shaukat Nawaz Shokeen during an intelligence-based operation in the Dhirkot area, officials confirmed Tuesday .

Indian proxy Joint Action Committee (JAAC) leader Shaukat Nawaz Shokeen has been arrested by Azad Kashmir Police.

JAAC goons have been creating violent chaos across Azad Kashmir while making TikTok videos to spread propaganda.

He was caught hiding in the bushes 🤣 pic.twitter.com/0ChZfK2EIr

- Zard si Gana (@ZardSi) July 3, 2026

The arrest comes after weeks of violent protests and widespread unrest across Azad Kashmir, which authorities have attributed to the JAAC's campaign of chaos and propaganda. The group was formally banned on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act following deadly clashes that left multiple security personnel and civilians dead .

Caught Hiding in the Bushes

According to security sources, Shokeen was apprehended near Airan Nullah in the Hail Sarang area of Dhirkot after a comprehensive combing operation . Reports indicate that the wanted leader was discovered hiding in bushes while attempting to avoid capture - a stark contrast to his public image as a vocal protest leader .

Muzaffarabad Deputy Commissioner Munir Qureshi confirmed the arrest, stating that Shokeen was detained during a joint operation involving police, district administration, and security personnel . A fellow JAAC member, Saib Javed, was also taken into custody during the same operation .

The JAAC confirmed the detentions, alleging that Shokeen was intercepted while trying to reach an ongoing sit-in . However, authorities maintain that the arrest was a necessary step to restore law and order following weeks of unrest.

A Rs 10 Million Bounty

Shokeen was one of four core JAAC leaders for whom the AJK government had announced a Rs 10 million (approximately $35,000) reward for information leading to their capture . He faces sedition charges and is accused of inciting violence during protests earlier this month .

The wanted list also includes Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, and Sardar Aman Khan, who remain at large .

JAAC's Campaign of Chaos

Authorities allege that the banned JAAC has been involved in inciting public unrest, promoting hatred, and attempting to disrupt the electoral process ahead of the scheduled July 27 elections for the 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly .

The group's protest campaign has focused heavily on demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees who migrated from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir after 1947 . Both the federal government and participants of a recent All Parties Conference in Muzaffarabad have unanimously rejected this demand .

Police have accused JAAC activists of creating violent chaos across Azad Kashmir while simultaneously using social media platforms - including TikTok - to spread propaganda and disinformation . Investigations have revealed questionable contacts with foreign patrons, with authorities alleging Indian involvement in exploiting the situation .

Government Crackdown Intensifies

The arrest follows a widespread crackdown that began after the government imposed the ban. Police arrested at least 72 JAAC-affiliated individuals in initial operations, recovering weapons, communication devices, and suspicious documents .

The police statement noted that "information, digital evidence and contacts indicating that some elements were trying to exploit public issues to disrupt law and order" had been uncovered . Authorities have also sealed JAAC's central office, recovering weapons including a machine gun and rifles .

What Comes Next

With Shokeen now in custody and under interrogation, security forces continue their search for the remaining wanted JAAC leaders . Authorities have warned that disciplinary action, including potential dismissal from service, could follow for government employees found supporting the banned organization .

The arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement in restoring peace to Azad Kashmir. As one official put it: "The days of hiding in bushes while spreading chaos are over. The law will catch up with every violator."