JuD reappears with new name days after crackdown on its leadership

The Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) has once again changed its name to Tehreek Azadi Jammu and Kashmir (TAJK - Movement for Freedom of Kashmir) post the detention of its leader Hafiz Saeed and a crackdown on its activities.

According to the Express Tribune, the religious organisation has resumed its routine activities under its new nomenclature, including 'donation' camps and ambulance centres across Lahore and other districts, while at the same time continuing its call for achieving independence of Indian-administered Kashmir.

It may be recalled that all JuD centres had been closed down on the night of January 30 following the detention of Hafiz Saeed, the party chief, and four of his aides on accusations of disturbing peace and security.

Law enforcers removed the banners and placards of JuD and its charitable wing of Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation, which was also put on observation under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

After remaining closed for three days, all these centres reopened on Friday but without the banners bearing the names of JuD or the FIF.

According to the daily, these centres located at Shahdara Chowk, Moon Market and Iqbal Town and are now operating under the name of TAJK.

Meanwhile, the JuD and FIF plan a conference on Kashmir Day on Sunday (February 5) at Nasir Bagh under the name of TAJK.

TAJK Deputy General Khalid Waleed, a close relative of Hafiz Saeed, was quoted by the Express Tribune, as saying that the counter-terrorism department is continuing with its crackdown against FIF and JuD activists in Faisalabad, Gojra, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Chiniot, Jhang and Sargodha.

He also warned that the detention of Saeed and others would trigger a liberation movement for Kashmir.