Srinagar, March 12: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday criticized the Union Home Ministry’s decision to ban the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen (JKIM), questioning the rationale behind the move.
She said there is contradiction in the government’s approach, stating that while Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of the AAC, is provided Z+ security, his organization has been declared unlawful. “If Mirwaiz Kashmir is considered anti-national, then why is he given Z+ security? And if he is not, then why ban his organization?” she told reporters here, according to news agency KINS.
She further said that both AAC and JKIM are socio-political organisations and have played significant roles in Jammu and Kashmir’s history.
“Mirwaiz Umar’s father, Moulvi Farooq, sacrificed his life. How long will the government continue with its muscular policy?” she said, urging for a “healing touch” instead of measures that alienate the people.
Expressing concern over the ban, Mehbooba stated that such decisions deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The government needs to reconsider its approach. These actions only create further alienation,” she said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had declared the AAC and JKIM as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing security concerns. (KINS)
