Aasif Suhaf

In a historic shift for Jammu and Kashmir’s electoral landscape, members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, including individuals under police surveillance, have announced their candidacy for the upcoming assembly elections. This unprecedented move sees separatists and those accused of terror funding challenging established political parties like the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The emergence of these candidates has surprised many, as they previously had limited rights to voice opinions on Kashmir-related matters. Now, in a dramatic turn of events, they are not only contesting the polls but actively discussing issues such as the release of individuals jailed for separatist activities. They are also holding large rallies in South Kashmir, bolstered by administrative security, further asserting their presence in the political arena.

Ideological shift in Valley

The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are becoming increasingly intriguing, with a notable ideological shift occurring in the Kashmir Valley. Separatism appears to be transitioning into the mainstream, with numerous separatists and their families entering electoral politics. Some candidates are already witnessing significant public engagement at their rallies.

Jamaat-e-Islami was banned for five years in February 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, accused of having close ties with terrorist organizations and promoting subversive activities aimed at establishing an Islamic state within Indian territory. The Ministry of Home Affairs extended this ban for an additional five years in February 2024.

5 Jamaat members contesting polls

Despite the ban, five Jamaat-e-Islami members are contesting the assembly polls. Notably, Hafiz Mohammad Sikander Malik from Bandipora is running with a GPS tracker fitted to monitor his movements. “Though I am out of jail, I don’t even feel free today with a GPS anklet on,” Malik stated. He spent nearly four years incarcerated following the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019 and was placed under surveillance upon his release.

In addition to Malik, Jamaat-e-Islami has fielded four other candidates for the assembly elections: Dr. Talat Majeed from Pulwama, Sayyar Ahmed Reshi from Kulgam, and Nazir Ahmad from Devsar—each of whom has been affiliated with Jamaat but lacks major legal issues. The fifth candidate is Dr. Kalimullah Lone from Langate in North Kashmir, son of veteran Jamaat leader Ghulam Qadir Lone. Dr. Kalimullah holds a PhD in Computer Science Engineering and expresses confidence in his chances, citing Jamaat’s strong voter base in the constituency.

Apart from their own five candidates, Jamaat-e-Islami has announced support for one independent candidate, Aijaz Mir, who was previously affiliated with the PDP and won the 2014 polls from Wachi on a PDP ticket. In October 2018, one of Mir’s security personnel, later identified as a terrorist via social media videos, fled with weapons, including eight AK-47 rifles and one handgun, from Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, which was the official residence of then-legislator Aijaz Mir. Since then, Mir has been questioned by the NIA several times, and a case has been registered against him.

Other separatists who have stronghold

In addition to Jamaat-e-Islami, jailed separatist Sarjan Barkati is also contesting the assembly polls as an independent candidate from the Ganderbal and Beerwah constituencies. Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, known as Sarjan Barkati, was a prominent face of protest rallies in the Valley after the killing of Hizb Commander Burhan Wani. Both Sarjan and his wife have been in custody, and their daughter has filed her father’s nomination papers. Interestingly, Sarjan will be up against former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah for the Ganderbal seat.

Aijaz Ahmed Guru, the brother of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, has officially entered the political arena by filing his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections from the Sopore constituency. This development comes 11 years after Afzal Guru was executed in Tihar Jail. Aijaz, who took voluntary retirement from his position at the Animal Husbandry Department in 2014, is currently working as a contractor.

Also read: WATCH | Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid Lashes Out At Omar Abdullah, Modi

Aijaz has expressed his commitment to addressing longstanding issues in Sopore, including employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and youth rehabilitation. He emphasized that the region has been “neglected by previous leaders,” underscoring his desire to bring about meaningful change.

Separatists labelled as BJP proxies

The two former Chief Ministers, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti have accused independent candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami of being proxies for the BJP. Omar stated that the BJP aims to weaken the National Conference-Congress coalition and is covertly supporting these independents. Meanwhile, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti claims that the real Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and other genuine separatists are in jail, and those contesting as independents are actually BJP proxies. Both Omar and Mehbooba cautioned the public to vote wisely and not to fall prey to sentiments, warning that the BJP could use these individuals to form their own government in Jammu and Kashmir.