Former Jamaat members launch new political party
Former members of banned Jamaat-e-Islami, who contested last year’s Assembly elections, on Sunday launched a new political party—the J&K Justice and Development Front (JDF).
The first president of the party, Shamim Ahmed Thoker, announced the postponement of inaugural ceremony of the party, which was originally scheduled to take place at SKICC on April 29.
Condemning the recent Pahalgam attack on tourists, Thoker said, “In view of the tragic and barbaric attack in Pahalgam and the ongoing period of national mourning, we felt it was appropriate to defer the formal event. However, the party and its flag have been launched in a simple and respectful manner at our party office.”
“We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased and extend our deepest condolences to them during this time of immense grief. Today, politics takes a back seat as we unite in mourning the loss of innocent lives and reaffirm our common humanity,” he sasid.
In a statement, Thoker further said that the JDF unequivocally condemns the heinous killings in Pahalgam. “Acts of violence against innocent civilians are crimes against humanity and can never be justified. We also strongly denounce the harassment and targeting of Kashmiri citizens outside Jammu and Kashmir. Collective punishment of innocents is a grave injustice that must be condemned without hesitation,” he said.
However, JDF expressed strong opposition to the demolition of homes by authorities “under the pretext of counterinsurgency operations. Innocent families must not suffer for the alleged actions of individual members. Justice requires individual accountability, not collective punishment,” a statement by party read.
The statement further read that the people of J&K have responded to the tragedy with dignity and solidarity. “Shops and businesses across the region voluntarily closed in mourning, mosques echoed with calls for peace during Friday sermons, and citizens — from traders to young people — came forward selflessly to support and assist the victims and their families,” it read.
Meanwhile, Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone welcomed the formation of a new political party by former members of Jamaat-e-Islami. Describing the development as “very good news,” Lone emphasised the importance of a diverse electoral landscape that reflects a wide range of ideologies. “The electoral arena should be exhaustive and represent all viewpoints,” he said.
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