June 18, 2025: On Sunday, April 27, 2025, prominent members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) announced the formation of a new political party in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Justice and Development Front (JDF), and pledged to participate in all upcoming elections in J&K. The party's founding principles are development, justice, and the welfare of the public. We intend to take an active role in addressing people’s issues. Sayar Reshi, a former JeI member, stated, "The party will fill the gap between governance and the grassroots, focusing on issues such as education, healthcare, youth employment, and community empowerment." Mr. Reshi, who will be the general secretary of the party, ran for the Kulgam constituency in the 2024 Assembly elections. Shameem Ahmad Thokar was named the party's president at the launch of the JDF, which took place in a Nowgam office. Abdul Rehman Shalla has been appointed vice-chairman of the party. Shalla represented Baramulla in the 2024 assembly elections. “People supported us (during the elections). We decided to go back to the grassroots level and grow stronger. We will vote in every election that comes up. People had a sense that their real representatives are not on the ground. We joined the political arena to fill the void,” Mr. Reshi said.
Condemning the Pahalgam attack, Mr. Thokar said, “No words are enough to condemn the dastardly attack. However, I appeal to the Government of India and the Lieutenant Governor to stop the process of blasting and destruction of houses. The residents' families have been terrified as a result. Fundamental rights and social justice: The JDF leaders highlighted that the newly-floated party will work towards a future that ensures social justice, economic progress, and protection of fundamental rights for all citizens. “The JDF is the launch of a new hope for the people of J&K,” they said.
Ghulam Qadir Lone, a former JeI general secretary, was also at the launch party. Ghulam Qadir Wani, a senior JeI leader from Pulwama's Gussu, was the first prominent leader to head a JeI panel advocating for J&K elections. In the 2024 assembly elections, members of the banned JeI ran for a number of seats in Kashmir's north, south, and central regions. However, they were unable to secure any seats. The socio-religious group has been divided into two factions as a result of a decision made by one faction. The Union Home Ministry banned the Jamaat-e-Islami in 2019 for being an “illegal association” under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for a period of five years. In February 2024, the ban was extended till 2029.