Press Release:A statement issued by Popular Front of India Chairman E Abubacker has questioned the ban and the ongoing crackdown on Jamaat-e- Islami Kashmir in the state.
Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir has been a strong presence in the state since decades and enjoys popular support through their socio- political and educational activism. The movement is not known involving in any violent acts against the country and the charges levelled in the notification of the Union Home Ministry are vague. This is denial of political freedom. This kind of shrinkage of democratic spaces pushes people to the extremes. Popular Front is of the view that ban is not the proper way in a democratic country to deal with political differences. If there are evidences against them of involving in any unlawful or anti-national activity, they can be prosecuted as per the law. He asked the central government to review the decision and restore the freedom for democratic political activism in the state.
E Abubacker also condemned the shameful way Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umri’s photograph was misused by Republic TV. Maulana Umari is the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and a respected scholar in the country. The fact that his photo was presented as that of a terrorist leader points not the appalling level of ignorance of Republic TV journalists, but the channel’s charectistic hatred for Muslim community. They have been indulging in this type of charcter assaination about other Muslim organisations and leaders on many occasions. Hence even an apology alone should not be the end of the matter.
A positive perception change about Muslims in India is the ultimate and only honest solution.
E Abubacker also expressed his deep anger and hurt over vicious use of the images of Muslim holy sites by CNN News 18 channel in connection with Jaish terrorism in Kashmir. This is an attack on the faith held by Muslims in the world. The channel must withdraw the content and issue an unconditional apology to the world Muslim community. He hoped that the channel will ensure their reports are free from prejudices against Islam and Muslims in future.
