Pulwama, May 13: In a significant development, Ghulam Qadir Wani, the panel head of the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday expressed the group’s commitment to democratic principles.
Speaking from his native village of Guso in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district after exercising his right to franchise on Monday, Wani said despite a ban on their organisation, they advocate for participation in democratic processes and seek resolutions to issues, if any, through democratic means.
Contrary to past perceptions associating Jamaat-e-Islami with election boycotts, Wani clarified that their manifesto “rejects clandestine activities and underscores transparent engagement within the democratic framework”.
He expressed optimism about the organisation’s potential participation in elections, contingent upon the ban being lifted. “The ban currently prevents us (Jamaat) from participating in any electoral process, but we are hopeful of a future where we can actively engage in democratic processes,” he said.
Ghulam Qadir commended the encouraging trend of youth participation in ongoing elections, underscoring the importance of their engagement in addressing social issues.
He highlighted the detrimental effects of disengaged youth, such as drug abuse and violence, stressing the need for their involvement in fostering a just society.
“Channelling the energy of our youth into positive endeavours will pave the way for a brighter future for all members of society,” Wani said.
