Diplomat Correspondent
Gulmarg, (DD): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed concern over the Centre’s decision to ban Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s Awami Action Committee (AAC), stating that his government was not provided with any intelligence justifying the move.
“The intelligence on which this decision was made has not been shared with us. This is beyond the purview of the elected J&K government,” Abdullah told reporters after the Khelo India Winter Games. He reiterated that his party has never supported such bans and questioned the rationale behind it.
The Centre recently imposed a five-year ban on AAC and the Masroor Abbas Ansari-led Ittehadul Muslimeen (IM), citing alleged links to anti-national activities and terrorism. However, Abdullah pointed out that since Mirwaiz’s release from house arrest, he had not made any controversial statements. “We will assess the situation and decide our course of action,” he added.
Meanwhile, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti criticized the National Conference (NC)-led government for its silence on the ban. “People expected the elected government to safeguard their interests, but instead, we are witnessing more crackdowns. Such actions, which were earlier imposed under LG rule, are now becoming normal under a people’s government,” she remarked.
When asked if the ban was linked to Mirwaiz’s criticism of the recent fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan, Abdullah dismissed the speculation. He also acknowledged that a hotel linked to the controversy belongs to his relatives but emphasized that any legal violations would be dealt with accordingly.
On the sporting front, the Chief Minister lamented that J&K failed to secure a top-three position in the Khelo India Games. He vowed to improve sports infrastructure and coaching facilities, hoping for better performance in future editions.
Additionally, he welcomed Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s announcement of a Centre of Excellence for Winter Sports in Gulmarg, calling it a step toward nurturing local talent.(DD)