Srinagar: Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, former Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) activists have announced their participation as independent candidates. Seven former activists are slated to contest across seven constituencies during the initial phase of polling.
The constituencies where these candidates will compete include Kulgam district (Kulgam and Devsar), Anantnag-Bijbehara, Shopian-Zainapora, and in Pulwama district -Pulwama, Rajpora and Tral.
This move marks the first time since 1987 that Jamaat-e-Islami members have participated in electoral processes, following their recent involvement in parliamentary elections held in April.
Expressing their stance, one of the candidates told Free Press Kashmir, “We also have a right to engage democratically and appeal to the people to give us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to serving them in the future. We aim to address their needs comprehensively, spanning infrastructure, healthcare, education, and overall development.”
Having re-entered the electoral arena after decades, these candidates view this election as a crucial opportunity to connect with the electorate and garner their support for future service.
Meanwhile, the district president of the National Conference in Pulwama and the candidate for the Rajpora constituency, Ghulam Mohuddin Mir told FPK that their party has always advocated for Jamaat-e-Islami’s inclusion in the mainstream.
“Their votes have traditionally gone to the PDP, but this time, they should stand on their own and let the people decide their representatives,” he added.
Pertinently, in February this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the ban against (JeI) Jammu Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 for another five years. JeI was first declared an “unlawful association” on February 28, 2019.
Home Minister of India Amit Shah said in a post on X, “Pursuing Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and separatism, the government has extended the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami-Jammu Kashmir for five years. The organisation is found continuing its activities against the security, integrity and sovereignty of the nation. The outfit was first declared an ‘Unlawful Association’ on February 28, 2019. Anyone threatening the security of the nation will face ruthless measures.”
