Jama’at-e-Islami’s hopes of participation in elections dim as Tribunal upholds 5-year ban

August 24, 2024 by News Desk

The central government may have ended the hopes of Jama’at-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir (JeI), which had been seeking to have its ban lifted in order to participate in the electoral process.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal on Friday upheld the ban, initially imposed on February 28, 2019, and extended in February 2024 for another five years.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier constituted the tribunal to assess the justification for labeling JeI an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The tribunal supported the government’s stance, citing JeI’s involvement in secessionist activities and its support for militancy.

Despite JeI’s recent efforts to re-enter mainstream politics, the ban will remain in force, effectively barring the organization from participating in upcoming elections.

Over the past year, Jama’at-e-Islami leaders have engaged in multiple rounds of discussions with government officials, pleading for the ban to be lifted.

They argued that the organization was ready to abandon its separatist stance and return to the democratic fold, even expressing a willingness to participate in parliamentary elections.

In public statements, JeI leaders emphasized their commitment to this shift, portraying it as a sincere effort to contribute positively to the region’s political landscape.

However, the central government’s response, reflected in the tribunal’s decision, indicates a continued skepticism toward JeI’s intentions.