Bisma Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 2: Banning Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) J&K has evoked a sharp criticism on social media.
On February 28, government of India declared five-year ban on JeI for “indulging in activities, which are prejudicial to internal security and public order, and have the potential of disrupting the unity and integrity of the country.”
The ban was preceded by mass arrests of JeI leaders and workers and followed by sealing many of its properties in the valley.
Other than mainstream political parties, many intellectuals, journalists, lawyers, and students also took to social media to condemn the ban.
Bureaucrat turned politician, Dr Shah Faesal posted on his Facebook account, “In last few years JeI J&K had transformed itself into more of a socio-religious than politico-religious organisation.”
Faisal added that their focus had shifted to education, welfare activities and humanitarian rescue and relief.
“I am surprised by the ban on JeI J&K at a time when the organisation has been trying very hard to move on. It is unfortunate that Government’s Kashmir policy is being driven more by perception and hearsay rather than by data and evidence,” adding that the decision won’t help much in containing the situation in Kashmir.
Former chairperson of the women commission, Nayeema Mehjoor, also expressed hate against the ban. “From crackdowns, banning Jamaat or gagging of media in JK is not helping u. Young boys civil or uniformed get killed… why? …leadership resolve problems not make them their “big” like your egos. Resolve Kashmir, it will give peace to millions of poor souls.”
Additional spokesperson of People’s Democratic Party, Tahir Syeed tweeted: “Ban on Jamaat-e-Islami is against the essence of democracy which allows space to opposing thoughts. Any attempt to choke the democratic space will have severe repercussions. Jamaat has immensely contributed in social and Educational sectors.”
Habeel Iqbal, a Lawyer in the district and sessions court, Shopian, posted series of tweets. One of his tweets read, “From the frying pan into the fire. Declaring the Jamaat-i-Islami as an “unlawful association” is nothing short of an undeclared war on the population of Kashmir. My limited understanding of law says that this move is unlawful. Falah-i- Aam Trust is a separate legal entity having an independent existence and the Trust has not been declared as an “unlawful Association. The two are NOT the same for the purposes of law.”
