Jammu, Mar 12: A heated debate unfolded in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday as People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Wahid Para raised strong objections to the Centre’s decision to ban two prominent socio-religious and political organizations in the region. He urged the government to reconsider and revoke the ban, arguing that it stifles political and religious space in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday declared a five-year ban on the Awami Action Committee (AAC), led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), headed by Masroor Abbas Ansari. The ban was imposed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, citing allegations of promoting secessionism and involvement in activities detrimental to national integrity.
As the House commenced proceedings for the day, Para attempted to raise the issue, but Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather asked him to sit down, citing that the Question Hour was in progress.
Later, addressing reporters outside the Assembly, Para strongly condemned the Centre’s decision, alleging that the move was part of a longstanding attempt by the BJP to shrink political and religious space in Jammu and Kashmir.
“This decision suffocates political engagement and religious freedoms in the region. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has historically advocated for dialogue and engagement with New Delhi, yet today, he faces restrictions on his socio-political activities. It is deeply regrettable,” he stated.
Para further urged the government to reconsider the ban, arguing that such actions would only alienate the people. “We call upon the BJP-led Centre to rethink this approach. Religious and political organizations should not be arbitrarily banned. The Mirwaiz institution holds great religious significance, and we stand in solidarity with him,” he added.
Contrary to the PDP’s stance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly supported the ban, asserting that the move was necessary to curb separatist and anti-national activities.
Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma defended the decision, stating, “The Ministry of Home Affairs’ ban on these outfits is commendable. These organizations have long worked against India’s unity. No individual or group should be allowed to operate against the sovereignty of the country.”
Responding to Mehbooba Mufti’s criticism of the ban, Sharma accused the PDP of sympathizing with separatist elements. “The PDP has always harbored soft separatist tendencies. Whenever the government takes action against radical or anti-India groups, Mehbooba Mufti finds an excuse to protest. This exposes the party’s real motives,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, MLA Sheikh Khursheed, brother of jailed MP Engineer Rashid, also condemned the ban, calling it a blow to democracy. “Banning a political or religious group without due process is undemocratic. On one hand, the Centre claims to engage with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and on the other, they impose restrictions on his organization. This contradiction is troubling,” he said.
Similarly, PDP leaders questioned the rationale behind the government’s action, asking why Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was provided Z-plus security if he posed a threat. “If he was considered anti-national, why offer him such high-level security? This contradiction exposes the double standards of the government,” a party leader stated.
BJP MLA Yudhvir Sethi took a harder stance, asserting that stronger measures should be taken against individuals advocating Pakistan’s cause in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We fully support this ban. It is a decisive step toward dismantling separatist networks. If anyone promotes secessionist ideologies, they must face strict legal consequences,” Sethi said, urging the government to maintain a firm stance against elements threatening national security.
According to the notification issued by the MHA, members of the Awami Action Committee were allegedly involved in promoting anti-India propaganda, supporting terrorist activities, and encouraging secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ban on AAC and JKIM is part of a broader crackdown on groups suspected of aiding militancy and separatist movements in the Valley. The Centre has maintained that such measures are essential to restoring stability and countering radical influences in the region.
As the debate intensifies, the ban continues to polarize opinions, with opposition parties decrying it as an attack on democratic rights, while the ruling BJP insists it is a necessary step for national security.