Criticism Grow Over the Recent Ban on Pro-freedom Organizations in IIOJK

The recent ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Ittehadul Muslimeen (JKIM) by the Indian government has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about the future of democracy and political freedom in the region.

The Indian government’s decision to ban Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Masroor Abbas Ansari’s Ittehadul Muslimeen (JKIM) has ignited strong criticism from various political leaders and organizations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The move is seen as part of the ongoing suppression of voices in IIOJK especially since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and chairman of AAC, expressed deep concern over the ban. He reminded the public that AAC was founded by his father during the 1964 Holy Relic agitation, aiming to represent the aspirations and rights of the Kashmiri people. He emphasized that the party had always supported peaceful dialogue and democratic means to address the Kashmir dispute. According to Farooq, the AAC has faced severe repression, including incarcerations and martyrdoms, for advocating the rights of the people. He called the ban part of an ongoing campaign to stifle the truth and intimidate the people of IIOJK, stating that although such actions might suppress voices, they cannot silence them.

Masroor Abbas Ansari, the leader of JKIM, also condemned the ban, calling coercion and restrictions counterproductive. He pointed out that JKIM has been a pioneer in social services and has strong, enduring ties with the people of the region. He argued that silencing these voices would not resolve the issues but only make them more complex. Ansari called for a more positive approach from the authorities, focusing on peace, dialogue, and understanding rather than further suppression.

Several other political leaders have joined the criticism. Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party, condemned the ban, stating that it was another blow to Kashmir’s political and social landscape. Mufti stressed that suppressing dissent only exacerbates tensions in the region. She argued that democracy is about more than just elections—it’s about safeguarding citizens’ rights. According to her, the Indian government’s actions serve its political interests but undermine the fundamental rights of the people of IIOJK.

Ali Muhammad Sagar, General Secretary of the National Conference, also expressed disappointment over the ban. He highlighted the role of the Mirwaiz family in promoting peace and communal harmony in IIOJK. He warned that such repressive measures would not contribute positively to the situation in the region.

The ban on these two organizations is seen as part of a broader pattern of repression under the Indian government’s policies in IIOJK. Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, Acting Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, condemned the move in a statement, calling it a direct attack on political freedom and fundamental human rights. Saghar noted that the use of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act to enforce the ban represents a growing disregard for the rights to life and liberty in the disputed region.

The banning of AAC and JKIM has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders and organizations are urging the Indian government to reassess its heavy-handed approach and adopt a more constructive path toward peace and stability in the region.