Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone in astatement termed the ban against ethos, ideals and essence ofa vibrant democracy, and advocated for an early revocation of this unfair ban.
While condemning central government’s decision to ban JeI,Sajad said that “true test of democracy lies in allowing space to opposingpolitical thoughts and ideologies rather than putting a cage around people witha certain political orientation.”
He also appreciatedJeI’s contribution in social and political spheres and advocated revocation ofthe ban. “Why has Jamaat been banned. Jamaat is a social, political andreligious organisation. In a vibrant democracy ideas have to be fought notbanned. This organisation has given us illustrious leaders and legislators. Howcan they be banned? I strongly pitch for revocation of the ban”, the PCChairman tweeted.
ER RASHEED
AIP president Er Rasheed in a statement said that “it isunfortunate that rather talking to genuine stake holders over resolution toKashmir issue, New Delhi is keen bent on muzzling the genuine voices. WhileJamat-e-Islami has made huge contributions in education and social sectors andhas also played its part in genuine social reforms, the party has considerablefollowing in every nook and corner of the state among all sections of society.The Jamat-I-Islami constitution doesn’t believe in running undergroundmovements and it was the reason why Jamat-e-Islami had deep differences withGeelani Sahab which ended at their parting ways from each other. Jamat has alsoopenly denounced violence and believes in peaceful resolution to Kashmirdispute as such banning the organization carries no sense and logic”.
He appealed to the central government to reconsider thedecision and revoke the ban before it creates further disappointment amongmasses. He accused Governor of crossing his domain and getting indulged inconstitutional assaults on the special status of the state.
ABDUL QAYOOM WANI
Peoples Democratic Party leader Abdul Qayoom Wani in a statement expressed shock on this”uncalled decision that has been issued to muzzle the voice of common masses.”
He said that “Jamaat cadres in 2014 floods worked day andnight during the calamity to extend relief and rehabilitation to the sufferingpeople. In 2005 earthquake that left thousands homeless Jamaat came forward tohelp the people in all parts of the state. Jammat has always been at the frontin it’s fight against social evils.”
Wani termed the decision of banning Jammat as”unconstitutional” and said that the political space for the people has shrunk.”In education sector Jamaat has made huge contribution.
He demanded immediate revocation of the ban on Ji andrelease of its caders unconditionally.
RTI MOVEMENT
Jammu Kashmir Right to Information Movement ( RTI Movement)termed the ban on Jamaat as attack on right to promote, profess and propagatereligion as guaranteed under Constitution of India.
“Jamat is no way involved in militant activities. It doesnot promote violent ways to propagate its activities . It is doing commendablework in the field of education and social upliftment plus religious teachings.How can VHP, Bajarang Dal carry on its activities in Jammu Kashmir while as JeIwill be banned?,” said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat Funder and Chairman of RTIMovement.
KASHMIR CENTRE FOR SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) ina statement said that “Jamaat has been politically silent for a long time andthe question of their involvement in unlawful activities does not arise. Thishas been done days after its top leaders and dozens of members were abruptly andinexplicably arrested.”
The statement said that everyone in the Valley was stunnedand disturbed by this sudden arbitrary, unjust and unwarranted action againstan organisation that has contributed tremendously in the education andpreservation of culture in a peaceful manner.
“It was Sheikh Abdullah who had banned them for denying themthe political space but late Mrs Ghandilifted the ban and offered them the democratic space. The GOI must immediatelylift the ban and stop finding scapegoats,” the statement added.
KASHMIR ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) Chairperson Haji MuhammadYasin Khan termed ban on Jamaat as an attack on the “religio-humanitariansentiments” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Khan who also heads the Kashmir Traders and ManufacturersFederation as in a statement said that “ban on the Jamaat is the outcome of the communal politics ahead of the2019 Parliament elections. Some right wing parties want to gain politicalmileage out of it.”
Khan said Jamaat was not only a religious organization buthad been working mainly for the cause of humanity and that ban on such anoutfit is attack on humanity in general.
“Jamaat has done exemplary work during all the humanitariancrisis and has also been contributing in the development of the society throughits means like education activities,” Khan said.
He appealed the Jammu and Kashmir Bar Association and othersimilar outfits representing various sections of the society to evolve amechanism to fight political aggression