Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for stricter laws to prevent groups like Jamaat-e-Islami from participating in elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized the need for a consensus among political parties and discussions in the Parliament to create a unanimous law that would bar forces with secessionist ideologies from participation in electoral process.
In an interview with NDTV, Sinha said, “The issue is not only about Jamaat. There are other groups also involved in elections. Previously, they boycotted elections under Pakistan’s influence, which was supported on the ground by Jamaat-like forces.”
“We must understand that our country operates on constitutional and legal principles, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) adheres to these methods. We have seen many such instances across the country, including J&K, where elected representatives during Lok Sabha elections have sparked widespread discussions,” Sinha said.
Sinha also reiterated the necessity of strict laws to address elements such as the banned Jamaat-e-Islami and ensure that the country operates within the framework of law and the Constitution.
“There should be political consensus and parliamentary discussions to establish a strict law by the ECI to prevent these forces from participating in future mainstream elections. Without such a law, we cannot effectively stop these groups from participating,” he said.
Regarding the participation of independent candidates in the upcoming assembly elections in J&K, LG Sinha described it as “a sign of a healthy democracy.”
He reflected on the past, noting that early elections in J&K saw a political party with 30 MLAs elected unopposed in 75 assembly segments. He added, “There was a perception about there being two types of MLAs—one elected by the people and the other by district collectors. Today, I receive feedback suggesting that had past elections been conducted fairly, the situation would have been significantly better.”
