NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Jammu and Kashmir under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act – UAPA for another five years with immediate effect and declared it as an ‘unlawful association’.
Announcing this on micro-blogging site ‘X’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and separatism, the government has extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu Kashmir for five years.”
He further said, “The organisation is found continuing its activities against the security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation. The outfit was first declared an ‘Unlawful Association’ on 28 February 2019. Anyone threatening the security of the nation will face ruthless measures.”
Later in a notification the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, “The Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir (hereinafter referred to as the JeI) has been 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.”
Jamaat-e-Islami is a socio-religious political party founded in 1942. The organisation, which has a strong cadre base in J&K, is separate from Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. The banned outfit is more inclined towards Pakistan. It was part of J&K’s electoral politics before 1990.
The JeI has always kept the view that J&K is a disputed state and seeks its resolution through right to self-determination.