PDP’s Waheed Parra Raises Ban on AAC, JKIM in Assembly, Calls for Reversal

Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party legislator Waheed Parra on Wednesday voiced concerns in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the Centre’s recent ban on Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), urging the House to intervene and seek its reversal.

During a brief intervention, Parra argued that banning these organisations—led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Masroor Abbas Ansari, respectively—amounts to stifling political dissent. He stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement to address political issues in Jammu and Kashmir rather than resorting to prohibitions.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently outlawed the two groups under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA), citing their alleged involvement in activities that threaten India’s sovereignty. The ban, effective for five years, has sparked debate among political circles in the region. [KNT]