An Authoritarian Move to Stifle Dissent by Banning Political Groups in IIOJK: Ruhullah Mehdi

The recent banning of two prominent political organizations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has sparked outrage, with leaders calling it another authoritarian attempt to silence voices in the region.

National Conference MP, Ruhullah Mehdi, has condemned the banning of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), calling it an oppressive move aimed at silencing dissent in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Mehdi took to Twitter, expressing that such actions by the Indian government only exacerbate the sense of alienation and suffocation felt by the Kashmiri people. He pointed out that banning organizations or raiding bookstores will not help Delhi in its claims of democracy and normalcy in the region. Mehdi strongly emphasized that no decree, ban, or intimidation will prevent the people of IIOJK from fighting for their democratic rights and aspirations.

The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), led by Abdul Qayoom Wani, also expressed deep concern over the ban. In a statement issued in Srinagar, the forum called the decision unfortunate and urged the authorities to reconsider their stance. The JKCSF highlighted that both the AAC and JKIM have played a significant role in promoting education, fostering communal harmony, and contributing to the region’s social reformation efforts. The ban on such organizations, according to the forum, only undermines the rich political and social history they have built in IIOJK.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Parra also raised the issue in the IIOJK Legislative Assembly, calling for the House to intervene and seek the reversal of the ban. Parra argued that the banning of organizations led by prominent leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Masroor Abbas Ansari was an attempt to stifle political dissent. He stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement to address IIOJK’s political issues, rather than resorting to punitive measures like banning political groups.

The widespread condemnation of this ban has highlighted the ongoing struggle for political freedom in IIOJK. Critics argue that such actions only deepen the disconnect between the region’s people and the Indian government, further aggravating feelings of alienation. With leaders and civil society groups calling for a peaceful resolution to the region’s political challenges, the move to ban these organizations is being seen as another attempt to suppress dissenting voices.