ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday condemned India’s decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-Ul-Muslimeen and the Awami Action Committee as “Unlawful Associations” for a period of five years.
There are now 14 political parties that are prohibited in the occupied zone after the Indian government labeled a number of them “unlawful associations” last year. The FO at the time also condemned the decision.
The ‘Awami Action Committee’ is headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a well-known religious and political figure. Maulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari, another prominent religious and political figure, created the “Jammu and Kashmir Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen” and served as its leader until his death in 2022.
Foreign Office spokeswoman Shafqat Ali Khan stated in a statement that the new ruling brings the total number of banned Kashmiri political parties and organizations to 16.
“Another example of the Indian authorities’ repressive tactics in the IIOJK is the banning of various political parties and organizations. It shows a determination to crush criticism and suppress political activity.
Additionally, it demonstrates blatant disrespect for international human rights legislation and democratic standards,” he said.
The spokesperson called on the Indian government to abide by the UN Security Council’s resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, free all political prisoners, and lift restrictions on Kashmiri political parties
