PDP believes in inclusive politics, would have given tickets to banned Jamaat leaders: Parra

The PDP would have accommodated candidates from the banned JamaateIslami if the outfits leadership had approached party chief Mehbooba Mufti its youth wing president Waheed Ur Rehman Parra said on SundayHe also said that the Peoples Democratic Party PDP had always prioritised inclusive politics and engagement with diverse groups regardless of their ideological affiliations to ensure the broadest possible representation of the people of Jammu and KashmirThe Centre initially banned the JamaateIslami for five years in February 2019 under antiterror laws on grounds that it was in close touch with militant outfits and was expected to escalate secessionist movement in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir stateThe ban was extended for a further five years earlier this year under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act with the Centre citing the outfits continued antiIndia activitiesMehbooba Mufti has always believed in dialogue reconciliation and inclusion If the JamaateIslami had reached out to the PDP we would have considered seat allocations to bring together all voices within the democratic framework Even if it meant sacrificing many seats we would have accommodated them said Parra who is contesting the assembly elections from the Pulwama constituencyHis comments came days after PDP president Mehbooba urged the government to lift the ban on the JamaateIslami to enable it to contest electionsThe former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister told reporters on Friday If the JamaateIslami wants to contest elections it is a good thing Democracy is a battle of ideas The government should lift the ban on it Parra said the PDPs commitment was to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and we believe that every group party and especially those representing significant sections of society deserves a place at the tableThe PDPs approach has always been to bridge divides and ensure that all communities irrespective of their backgrounds have a say in shaping the future of the region he saidIf the JamaateIslami wants to contest elections it is a positive development Democracy is a battle of ideas The government should lift the ban on it We would have accommodated it and provided sufficient space seats and opportunities to contest he addedParra also said the ban on JamaateIslami would be lifted if the PDP assumed power in Jammu and KashmirSuch an inclusive approach is essential for lasting peace tranquillity prosperity and stability in Jammu and Kashmir he saidElections to the 90member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will be held in three phases on September 18 September 25 and October 1 and the results declared on October 4This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever