Jammu- Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday raised the issue of ban on Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittehad-ul- Muslimeen (JKIM) in the Assembly.
The Centre on Tuesday banned Jammu and Kashmir-based two religio-political parties for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
In a very brief intervention, PDP MLA Waheed-ur- Rahman Para drew the attention of the House towards the ban of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led AAC and Maulana Masroori Abbas Ansari led JKIM.
As the House assembled for the day, Para raised the issue. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather instructed him to sit down as the Question Hour had begun.
Speaking to reporters outside the House, Para said, “This move chokes political and socio-religious space in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has been attempting this for several years.”
“Awami Action Committee has been banned, Ittehad-ul- Muslimeen has been banned. It’s important that we should discuss the issue first,” he said.
“It is an unfortunate order. Mirwaiz Sahab is the most moderate voice in J&K. We stand with him,” Para said, adding that the Government of India should revoke the ban on AAC and JKIM.
NC legislator Tanvir Siddiq said that the ban on AAC and JKIM should be revisited.
“Mirwaiz Sahab has been talking more on social and economic issues over the last few years. He has been raising his voice against drug abuse. We don’t support any anti-national activity but the government should revisit its decision,” he said.
However, the leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma welcomed the ban on the two organisations
“Two organisations were undermining India’s unity. MHA’s ban on these organisations is commendable. BJP supports this decision,” he told reporters outside the assembly.
Sharma emphasised “no individual or organisation should be allowed to work against the integrity and unity of our country.”
Responding to criticism from PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, he said “PDP’s foundation is rooted in separatist sentiments. Whenever radical and anti-India groups are confronted, Mehbooba ji expresses distress.”
MLA Sheikh Khursheed, brother of jailed MP Engineer Rashid, also criticised the ban, stating, “Banning any individual or political party is undemocratic. We condemn such actions. On one hand, the Centre is engaging with Mirwaiz Sahib, and on the other hand, his party is being banned. This is unfortunate.”
BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi said there should be more strictness on the people advocating the cause of Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We welcome this ban. It is aimed to curb separatist and other elements in the region”, he told reporters.
The notification from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs stated that members of the Awami Action Committee headed by Umar Farooq have been involved in supporting terrorist activities and promoting anti-India propaganda to fuel secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
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