Revisit policy of banning social, political groups in J&K: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) urged the Centre to revisit its policy of “bans on social and political organisations in J&K”.

Commenting on the statement of banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) amir (ex-chief) Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, the Mirwaiz said, “The public statement by JeI chief is concerning. It would be in the interest of peace and stability that New Delhi listens to people’s pleas and revisit its policy of bans on social and political organisations in J&K, bringing an end to the harassment and intimidation that accompanies such restrictions.”

Mr. Bhat, a few days ago in a video message, distanced the JeI from a political faction of the banned organisation and said it will put up a legal battle to remove the ban on the socio-religious group, which was banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019.

“Where these forced measures are challenged before the court of law, it is at least expected that due process is allowed to run its course fairly, without taking actions that render legal remedies meaningless. Attached properties and institutions should be treated with restraint and in accordance with law and judicial process,” said the Mirwaiz.

He said a sustainable political process cannot be built by excluding genuine voices or replacing them with convenient alternatives. “Those who command real social and political presence must be allowed space and engaged through dialogue. Respect for the rule of law, fairness and meaningful political engagement remain essential for any way forward to real peace,” said the Mirwaiz.