The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has initiated a clearance operation to reopen entry and exit points blocked by the banned Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee, warning it will treat those it calls “blackmailers” with an “iron hand”. The operation is ongoing, with authorities vowing to continue until all routes are fully accessible. Main Developments AJK Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain announced the operation during a press conference on Tuesday, stating that the clearance effort will persist until all routes are opened. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting human lives and ensuring economic, educational, and business activities resume across the region. Hussain detailed a violent incident earlier in Rawalakot, where JAAC members allegedly opened indiscriminate fire and targeted police with automatic weapons and explosives. In response, law enforcement launched an operation, with Rangers arriving to assist. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of one personnel and injuries to another. Read also: Bomb disposal expert killed in KP police post IED blast The home secretary noted that the banned group’s leader, Khwaja Mehran, had issued a fresh 48-hour deadline to close all entry points to the state. However, Hussain asserted that the majority has distanced itself from JAAC, which he said lacks the power to “paralyse the state”. He accused the group of being “enemies of the state’s peace, development and economy”. Background The JAAC was declared a proscribed organisation by the AJK government on June 5, following its announcement of a strike on June 9. A day later, authorities launched a crackdown, arresting scores of its leaders and activists across the region. Earlier this week, a former core member of the JAAC urged its leadership to withdraw a call for a long march and sit-in in Rawalakot, citing immense hardship caused to the people of Poonch district over the month-long agitation. On Saturday, at least one person was killed and several others injured in clashes between protesters and law enforcement along a key road linking Arja and Rawalakot. Hussain said the AJK government has suffered losses amounting to billions due to JAAC’s disruptions, affecting tourism, business, and transport. The AJK education secretary added that the banned outfit was attempting to involve women, children, and students as human shields, prompting letters to educational institutions to prevent student participation in violent protests. Why It Matters The operation underscores the AJK government’s determination to restore normalcy after weeks of unrest that have disrupted daily life and economic activity. The conflict also highlights ongoing tensions between the state and banned groups, with implications for regional stability and public safety. The government’s firm stance—pledging to treat “blackmailers” with an “iron hand”—signals a zero-tolerance approach to such disruptions, which could deter future protests but also risks escalating confrontations. The restoration of banking services and reopening of higher educational institutions, including medical colleges, indicate efforts to stabilise the region. What's Next The clearance operation is expected to continue until all routes are fully reopened, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. The AJK government has warned it will not succumb to further deadlines or threats from the JAAC. Meanwhile, educational institutions have been directed to ensure students avoid violent protests, and security forces remain on alert for potential further unrest.