Hakeem Yaseen welcomes JeI’s statement

Srinagar , May 16:    Chairman Peoples Democratic Front ( PDF) and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen has welcomed the banned J&K Jamat-e-Islami’s (JeI’s) announcement to participate in the electoral process , if the government lifts the ban on it .

In a statement, he said the announcement is a good omen for revival of peace and broad basing the democracy in the strife torn Jammu and Kashmir .

Yaseen urged the government to reciprocate the announcement in its good faith. “ Infact JeI in previous times has also enthusiastically taken part in the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir but the ugly episode of naked mass rigging in 1987 assembly election compelled the organisation to opt for election boycott ,”Yaseen observed . He said better late than never. “Government should reciprocate to the offer of Jamaat-e-Islami whole heartedly and lift ban imposed on it ,to pave way for its re- entry in the mainstream,” Yaseen said.

He said the banned organisation like other mainstream political parties , should be encouraged to contribute their role in socio -political and developmental arena in a democratic and secular manner. PDF Chairman said willingness shown by the banned organisation to participate in electoral process was a big turn around on the horizon of the mainstream political scene in Jammu and Kashmir which needs to be encouraged and welcomed by all.