The former secretary of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI), Ghulam Qadir Lone, has declared that Article 370 will never be reinstated. According to Lone, the article has been permanently abolished, and there is no possibility of its return, so hopes of restoration should be abandoned.
In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch, Lone emphasised that it is misleading to suggest that Article 370 could be restored. He asserted that since the article has been removed, it is futile to deceive the public with claims of its revival.
Lone criticised the notion that Article 370 might be restored, describing it as a political ploy used by various parties. He mentioned that even if the “India Alliance” had included a promise to restore Article 370 in their manifesto and won a significant number of seats, the current political landscape and recent statements by Rahul Gandhi regarding statehood restoration indicate that the BJP also acknowledges that Article 370 cannot be reinstated.
He advised the youth to focus on adapting to the new reality, seeking employment, and avoiding social ills.
Jamaat-e-Islami was banned in February 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged ties to terrorist organisations and subversive activities aimed at establishing an Islamic state. The ban was extended for another five years in February 2024.
In a notable development, members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, including those under police surveillance, have announced their candidacies for the upcoming assembly elections. This move marks an unprecedented challenge to established political parties such as the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kashmir’s shifting electoral landscape.
