Jammu and Kashmir's mainstream regional political parties have welcomed the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)’s reported decision to field its former members as independent candidates in select seats in the upcoming Assembly elections, terming it a victory of democracy. “It is unfortunate that the ban imposed on the Jamaat-e-Islami many years ago continues. We had expected that it would be lifted before the announcement of the election schedule.
Anyways, it is heartening that they (former Jamaat members) will join the fray as independents. Let them go to the people with their plans, their promises and their manifesto,” said former chief minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah while speaking to reporters in Ganderbal near here on Sunday. Mr.
Abdullah added, “We wanted them to contest on their own symbol in JeI’s name but let them contest even as independents. As they would go to the people to seek their votes, it is up to them (people) to decide whom they would like to vote for.” People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti termed the JeI’s reported decision as a “good thing” and said that her party welcomes it.
She, however, demanded that the ban on the JeI should be revoked immediately. “I want the Government of India to revoke the ban on the JeI. I do not want to name them, but there are radicalised groups representing fringe elements who are given carte blanche to spread misinformation and vitiate the atmosphere.
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