Members of banned Jamaat-e-Islami launch new political party in J&K
Several prominent members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) on Sunday (April 27, 2025) floated a new political party, Justice and Development Front (JDF), Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and pledged to participate in all upcoming elections in J&K.
'The party's founding principles are justice, development and public welfare. We intend to take an active role in addressing people's issues. The party will fill the gap between governance and the grassroots, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, youth employment, and community empowerment,' Sayar Reshi, a former member of the banned JeI, said.
Mr. Reshi, who will function as the party's general secretary, contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Kulgam constituency.
The JDF, launched at an office in Nowgam, announced Shameem Ahmad Thokar as the party president. Abdul Rehman Shalla, who fought the 2024 assembly elections from Baramulla, has been appointed vice-chairman of the party.
'People supported us (during the elections). We decided to go back to the grassroots level and grow stronger. We will participate in all upcoming elections. People had a sense that their real representatives are not on the ground. We joined the political arena to fill the void,' Mr. Reshi said.
Condemning the Pahalgam attack, Mr. Thokar said, 'No words are enough to condemn the dastardly attack. However, I appeal to the Government of India and the Lieutenant Governor to stop the process of blasting and destruction of houses. It has frightened the families living there.'
Social justice, fundamental rights
The JDF leaders highlighted that the newly-floated party will work towards a future that ensures social justice, economic progress, and protection of fundamental rights for all citizens. 'The JDF is the launch of a new hope for the people of J&K,' they said.
Former JeI general secretary Ghulam Qadir Lone was also present at the launch function. Senior JeI leader Ghulam Qadir Wani from Pulwama's Gussu was the first prominent leader to head a JeI panel advocating the decision to contest elections in J&K.
Members of the banned JeI contested the 2024 assembly elections from multiple seats in north, south and central Kashmir. However, they failed to win any seat. The decision of a faction of the JeI has split the socio-religious group into two factions.
The Union Home Ministry banned the Jamaat-e-Islami in 2019 for being an 'illegal association' under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for a period of five years. In February 2024, the ban was extended till 2029.
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