New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized the banned Jamaat-e-Islami for their recent decision to participate in upcoming assembly elections, highlighting their dramatic shift from previously denouncing elections as haram (forbidden) to now considering them halal (permissible).In a media interaction, Omar Abdullah took aim at Jamaat-e-Islamis changing political stance, noting their former opposition to elections. It was previously said that elections are prohibited. Well, better late than never. Now, elections are considered permissible, and everyone is encouraged to participate. We have always advocated for democratic processes, Abdullah said, as reported by Rising Kashmir. He further added, The shift in Jamaat-e-Islamis stance over the past 30-35 years is not necessarily a negative development. We had hoped for the lifting of their ban so they could return with their party and symbol, but Delhi did not act on that. Nonetheless, they have entered the electoral fray as independent candidates.Jamaat-e-Islami candidates enter assembly electionsOn Tuesday, four candidates affiliated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir submitted their nominations to run as independents in the upcoming assembly elections. Notably, Talat Majeed, a former Jamaat-e-Islami member, filed his nomination papers for the Pulwama constituency.Majeed explained that the changing geopolitical landscape since 2008 prompted him to reconsider some of the past rigidities. Despite the ongoing ban by the Union Home Ministry, which prevents Jamaat-e-Islami from officially participating in elections, the group has shown interest in joining Lok Sabha elections if the ban were lifted.Watch the video here:Earlier Elections Were Haram, Now They Are Halal as Per Jaamat-e-Islami We Were Expecting Ban to Be Removed So They Can Participate on Their Symbol, Says Omar Abdullah pic.twitter.com/TP7QtwwZ8p— Rising Kashmir (@RisingKashmir) August 27, 2024Background on Jamaat-e-Islami banThe Indian government extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on February 27. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated, “Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi Jis policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and separatism, the government has extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir. The organization continues activities detrimental to national security and sovereignty.” The ban on Jamaat-e-Islami was first imposed on February 28, 2019, shortly after the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. This decision led to the arrest of over 100 Jamaat-e-Islami members, including their chief Abdul Hameed Fayaz.
