Banned Jamaat likely to field former members as Independent candidates

Srinagar, August 24

As poll activity gains momentum in the Kashmir Valley, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI-JK) is likely to field its former members as independent candidates in the upcoming Assembly elections. A meeting of former JeI members in Srinagar on Saturday gave the green light to contest polls from over 10 seats in the Kashmir valley.

Since Jamaat is banned and cannot contest elections as a party, sources say the outfit will field its candidates as independents. "Our erstwhile members will contest from different constituencies, and candidate selection will be finalised on Sunday," said a member of the outfit.

The meeting also decided to field candidates in several South Kashmir constituencies, including Bijbehara in Anantnag district, Zainapora in Shopian, and Pulwama. “These areas have traditionally had a strong Jamaat support base, and we hope to perform well in the polls,” said the member.

The decision comes despite the Central government's ban on Jamaat for its "activities against the security, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation."

Ghulam Qadir Lone, a former member of the party, had told The Tribune last month that at a meeting of the panel on June 30, it was decided that the Jamaat-e-Islami (J&K) would return to politics, if the ban is revoked.

The Jamaat members now say that even though the ban has not been lifted, the outfit wouldn’t leave any chance to prove that they “abide by the Indian Constitution.”

On Friday, a UAPA Tribunal upheld the Central government’s Jamaat ban. “It is an unfortunate development. By contesting as Independents, we want to show the public and the government that Jamaat stands for genuine aspirations and also for peace,” said another member, adding that they are not sure how government would react to the decision.

With the Jamaat deciding to enter the poll arena, it needs to be seen if it would change the polls dynamics.

In the recent Lok Sabha election in Jammu & Kashmir, to the surprise of everyone, Jamaat-e-Islami’s leaders had come forward to cast their vote for the first time since 1987. Back then, the outfit had contested the elections under the banner of the Muslim United Front (MUF), a conglomerate of political parties, social groups and individuals. After allegations of rigging, the cadre-base outfit had decided to stay away from elections.

Founded in 1943, the JEI is the only cadre-based party in Jammu & Kashmir, besides the National Conference.