March 2, 2019
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief
Minister Mehbooba Mufti has warned that the ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami will
have "dangerous ramifications".
She told reportes on Saturday, "You cannot imprison an ideology or an idea.
There are thousands of Kashmiris in villages and cities associated with the
Jamaat. It is a socio-religious organisation... What will happen to children
studying in Jamaat-run schools... An environment has been created in the country
in which beating and harassing Kashmiris is celebrated. It is unfortunate and
there seems to be nobody to control this."
On Friday, properties belonging to Jamaat-e-Islami, including residences of
some of its activists, were sealed in the Valley. Bank accounts of JeI leaders
have also been frozen.
The Centre had on Thursday banned Jamaat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir for
five years under anti-terror law. The case was that it "in close touch" with
militant outfits.
A notification, banning the group under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention)
Act, was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs after a high-level meeting on
security held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Around 150 leaders and activists of the outfit have been detained in raids
at several places across Kashmir.
It is alleged that the Jamaat was responsible for the creation of the terrorist
group Hizbul Mujahideen and Hurriyat Conference.
