Srinagar: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah has said that his party has always opposed Jamaat-e-Islami in the political space, however GoI’s crackdown on them will serve no purpose.
In a series of tweets, the former Chief Minister also pointed out that the ban will drive their activities underground.
The @JKNC_ has always had a difficult relationship with the Jamaat in J&K & have often been on different sides of the ideological divide. In spite of these difference I can not support the recent crack down against them.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 2, 2019
He added that the organization was banned in the 90s for more than 5 years but that didn’t achieve anything.After the outbreak of turmoil the organisation was banned for more than 5 years in 1990 but that ban served no purpose & achieved nothing.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 2, 2019
In the battle of ideas & ideologies we in the @JKNC_ have always opposed the Jammat in the political space. The recent ban & crack down against their leadership, members, schools & properties will serve no purpose except to drive their activities underground.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 2, 2019
In another tweet, he asked the Government of India to reconsider the ban as it will in no way contribute to any improvement on ground.The centre should reconsider its recent decision. The situation in J&K had improved drastically between 1996 and 2014/15 without having to resort to such bans. There is nothing to suggest that this ban will in any way contribute to any improvement on the ground.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 2, 2019
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On the contrary, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has vehemently opposed the ban. Mufti on Friday asked that why is Government of India is so ‘uncomfortable’with the Jamaat-e-Islami.
“While Hindu groups are given ‘carte blanche to spread misinformation & vitiate the atmosphere. But an organization that has worked tirelessly for Kashmiris is banned,” she said in a tweet.
She also pointed out that ‘ideas cannot be banned or jailed, need a better idea to replace it.’
Jamaat, in their statement, termed the imposition of ban on the party as ‘unconstitutional, undemocratic and unethical’.
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