JAAC withdraws trust in negotiation head Ameer Muqam over bias allegations

MUZAFFARABAD: The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has expressed a lack of confidence in the chairman of the negotiation committee, Amir Muqam, alleging a biased approach in ongoing talks with the government.

According to details, the Action Committee has formally written a letter to the Chief Secretary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stating its reservations over the role and conduct of the federal minister during the negotiation process.

The letter further stated that if Amir Muqam remains part of any future dialogue process, the committee will not participate in negotiations.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve issues through talks between government representatives and the Joint  Action Committee in Muzaffarabad.

Officials have not yet issued an official response to the committee’s stance, while political observers say the move could further complicate the dialogue process.

Earlier, talks between the Federal Negotiation Committee and the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) commenced in Muzaffarabad in an effort to address key public issues through dialogue.

The federal delegation is headed by Amir Muqam, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, while the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is represented by Qasim Majeed and Diwan Khan Chughtai.

The Joint Public Action Committee delegation includes Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri, and Chaudhry Imtiaz Aslam.

Sources said the negotiations are expected to focus on public demands and measures aimed at easing tensions in the region.

Officials from both sides expressed hope that the dialogue process would help create consensus on important matters and pave the way for a peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.