Srinagar, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah has called upon the Indian government to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) to facilitate its participation in the political process of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

According to Kashmir Media Service, the appeal followed statements from Ghulam Qadir Wani, the former chief of JeI, expressing the organization’s willingness to engage in the electoral process if the prohibition is reversed. The ban on JeI was initially imposed in February 2019 for a duration of five years, citing reasons related to unlawful activities and threats to internal security and public order, with an extension announced until February 2024.

Abdullah highlighted the importance of allowing JeI to enter the political process, emphasizing that their participation would reveal their actual support base. “It is a good thing. Let them participate. We want them to participate in the elections and their symbol on the voting machine. Then the truth will come out,” Abdullah stated.