Jama’at must clarify those coming forward & contesting elections are their own men, or agents of agencies: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Sep 11: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday launched a sharp attack on banned Jama’at-e-Islami J&K, asking them to clarify its stand on those coming forward and contesting Assembly elections are their own men or ‘agents’ of agencies.

“There is a ban on Jama’at. We too want this party in the field to take part in democratic process. But let the government to lift ban over it. Jama’at should clarify those coming forward, and contesting Assembly elections are their own representatives, or agents of agencies,” PDP president Mehboboa made these remarks while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a public meeting in southern Shopian.

She criticized central government for allowing the Jama’at to play an active role in the upcoming Assembly elections in J&K.

She questioned the silence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the government regarding the open support being extended by the Jama’at to certain individuals.

The PDP president demanded that the government should clarify whether the ban on Jama’at-e-Islami J&K is still in effect, or it has been relaxed, pointing out the contradiction of the group’s involvement in the political process if such a ban exists.

Notably several independent candidates have filed their nomination papers to contest upcoming Assembly elections in J&K, who according to them are being backed by the panel of Jama’at. The panel members of Jama’at have recently participated in election rally held in Bugam area of Kulgam district where the group extended its electoral support to several candidates contesting elections from south Kashmir parts.