In a detailed analysis, Defence Analyst Colonel (Retired) Sheraz Ahmad has sharply criticized the transformation of the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC) movement. Initially a legitimate platform advocating for public rights and civic grievances in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the movement has, according to Ahmad, devolved into a violent force that now directly challenges the region's rule of law. He underscores that the government’s primary responsibility is to restore the state’s writ and ensure the safety and security of AJK citizens. Ahmad argues that ignoring this shift would embolden extremist elements and destabilize the region further. In my opinion, Ahmad’s warning is both timely and necessary. Peaceful protest is a democratic right, but when a movement adopts violence as a tool, it ceases to serve the people and becomes a threat to the very society it claims to protect. The AJK government must not only take concrete law-enforcement measures—such as clear identification of violent actors and legal prosecution—but also address the underlying grievances that fueled the movement in the first place. A two-pronged approach of security and dialogue is essential to prevent further escalation. Without decisive action, the situation could spiral into prolonged unrest, undermining both public safety and the region's fragile stability.