Srinagar: Several former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, as well as Sarjan Barkati —whose pro-freedom slogans gained prominence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016—have submitted their nominations to contest as independent candidates in the upcoming J&K Assembly elections from the Shopian district. According to reports, among the candidates is Ajaz Ahmad Guru, the brother of Afzal Guru.
These former separatists were inspired by the electoral success of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, commonly known as Engineer Rashid, who triumphed over National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah and People’s Conference President Sajad Gani Lone in the Lok Sabha elections, despite being imprisoned, according to a source quoted by TOI.
Although Jamaat-e-Islami cannot participate in elections due to a government ban in 2019, there was interest in contesting the Lok Sabha elections if the ban had been lifted. In March, the MHA issued a notification and formed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, led by a Delhi High Court judge, to determine if there was sufficient reason to label Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir as an 'unlawful association.' Recently, the UAPA Tribunal upheld the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu & Kashmir.
Jamaat-e-Islami last participated in elections in 1987 and was part of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, advocating for poll boycotts from 1993 to 2003.
Talat Majeed, a former ameer (chief) of Jamaat, has filed his candidacy from the Pulwama constituency as an independent.
Reflecting on the evolving geopolitical landscape since 2008, Majeed stated, “In view of the prevalent geo-political scenario, I felt that time had come for us to take part in the political process. I have been expressing my views since 2014 very openly, and I am taking that agenda forward even today.”
“We cannot ignore the situation globally when we talk about the situation in Kashmir. As Kashmiris, we should live in the present and look towards a (better) future,” he said.
Sayar Ahmad Reshi, another ex-Jamaat leader, is running from the Kulgam Assembly seat.
Reshi urged voters to follow their conscience, saying, “It is up to Allah to bless or disgrace a person... but I will appeal to people to vote as per their conscience,” and vowed, “we will launch a historic movement for reforms.”
He acknowledged the need for employment opportunities for the youth, noting, “There is no doubt that the youth have been given bats, but it will not fill their stomach. There is unemployment, and killings are going on. Elderly people have to run from pillar to post just for a meagre old age pension of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. We will work for social justice.”
Sarjan Barkati, who became notable during the unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016, will be contesting from the Shopian district. His daughter, Sugra Barkati, filed his nomination papers as he is currently imprisoned on ‘terror’ charges.
The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are taking place for the first time since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. These are the first such elections in a decade, scheduled to occur in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1. Votes will be counted on October 4.