Former members of banned Jamaat launch new political party

SRINAGAR — A faction of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday launched a new political party — the Jammu and Kashmir Justice and Development Front — pledging to stand with the country.

Several former members of this faction had contested last year’s Assembly elections in the Union Territory as Independent candidates.

Jamaat-e-Islami, a politico-religious organization, was banned by the Central government in 2019 over alleged links to militant groups.

Announcing the launch, the president of the party, Shamim Ahmad Thoker, said they had originally scheduled a meeting for April 29 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), but it was advanced following the recent deadly attacks in Pahalgam and the subsequent national mourning.

He expressed deep grief over the killings and offered condolences to the bereaved families, emphasizing that injustice against innocent civilians is a crime against humanity.

Thoker also condemned the harassment of Kashmiri citizens outside Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

He praised the solidarity shown by the people of Kashmir, who shut their businesses, organized protests, and extended hospitality to affected families.

Rejecting any attempts to divide people on religious lines, Thoker stressed that sorrow and loss are shared by all humanity.

“Our focus must be on unity, compassion, and human dignity,” he said while addressing a press conference.

The newly launched Justice and Development Front will work to ensure justice for all citizens without discrimination and prioritize development to bring prosperity across Jammu and Kashmir, Thoker said.

He announced that political activities would formally begin across the valley and that an inaugural event for the party would be held soon.

“Our struggle will continue to serve the people and establish a society based on justice, peace, and unity,” Thoker said, calling on people to unite against hatred and discrimination.

The former Jamaat leader said that they stand with the country’s moves, keeping in mind the parameters of justice and progress.

Meanwhile, the People’s Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajjad Lone, welcomed the formation of a new political party by former members of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Describing the development as “very good news,” Lone emphasized the importance of a diverse electoral landscape that reflects a wide range of ideologies.

“The electoral arena should be exhaustive and represent all viewpoints,” he remarked.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by the members in their journey thus far, Lone lauded their perseverance. “Their journey till here has not been painless. Wishing them all the best,” he concluded.