Web Desk: The Traders’ Association of Arja in Azad Kashmir has announced it is severing ties with a banned Awami Action Committee and reopening businesses, citing concerns over what it described as the group’s increasingly hardline approach.
In a video statement, the association’s Secretary General, Nasir Arbab, said the decision was made after consultations with the organization’s elected leadership.
“We have decided to reopen shops following consultations within the elected body of the Traders’ Association,” Arbab said.
Arbab said traders in Arja and other parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir had begun reopening their businesses following the decision.
According to the association, Arja has more than 700 shops, making it one of the area’s key commercial centers.
He also urged traders across Pakistan-administered Kashmir to distance themselves from the banned Action Committee.
Explaining the decision, Arbab said the traders’ body chose to end its association with the committee because of what he described as its “extremist” or increasingly hardline conduct.
He did not elaborate on specific incidents that prompted the move.
Arbab called on the local administration in Bagh district to ensure the safety and security of traders reopening their businesses.
Authorities had not immediately commented on the association’s announcement, and there was no immediate response from representatives of the banned Action Committee.
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