Baramulla, Sep 27 (KNS): Ghulam Qadir Lone, Secretary of the banned Jama’at-e-Islami J&K, expressed dissatisfaction on Thursday over the failure of National Conference (NC) parliamentarians to address their concerns in the Parliament.

Speaking to supporters at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, Lone said the absence of support from NC MPs has pushed them to endorse independent candidates in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

Lone emphasized that despite hopes for representation in the Parliament, NC MPs from Kashmir did not raise the issue of Jama’at’s ban. “Er Rashid, the MP from Baramulla, is in jail, but the two NC MPs from the Kashmir division could have spoken on our behalf. While they represented Kashmir on other matters, they stayed silent about the Jama’at ban,” Lone stated.

This lack of action, Lone said, left them feeling unrepresented and led to their decision to back independent candidates in the elections to ensure their concerns are heard.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe explained that a panel of eight members, formed to handle post-ban matters of Jama’at-e-Islami, has decided to participate in the electoral process.

Lone further disclosed that New Delhi had assured them that upcoming elections would be conducted fairly. He referred to past participation by Jama’at in elections from 1969 to 1987, emphasizing that it was the alleged irregularities in the 1987 polls that caused the organization to distance itself from future elections. However, he acknowledged that the recent Lok Sabha elections were held in a free and fair manner, and extended congratulations to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for their efforts.

Lone concluded his address by urging intelligence agencies to assess the current situation impartially, without preconceived notions about the Jama’at. (KNS)