JAMMU AND KASHMIR: BANNED JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI TO CONTEST POLLS
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
Tuesday was the last date for filing of nomination for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The banned outfit Jamaat-e-Islami is set to field at least three of its former members as Independent candidates from various constituencies of South Kashmir. There is the possibility of a fourth candidate. Eventually, the Jamaat plans to field 10-12 candidates as Independents in the Valley in the three-phase Assembly polls.
The outfit that is keen to get its ban lifted was planning to filed seven candidates from south Kashmir in the first phase. However, three of its probable candidates – from Bijbehara, Shopian and Anantnag – backed out at the last moment.
The Jamaat’s struggle with fielding candidates is said to be a pointer to how “unpopular” its decision to take the electoral plunge has been among its own dedicated cadre that is estimated to be around 20,000 across J&K.
In July, The Indian Express reported that the Jamaat is keen to contest Assembly elections after it engaged in several rounds of talks with the Centre through Altaf Bukhari. While the Jamaat wanted the ban, imposed on it under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act since February 2019, to be lifted, the Centre asked them to vote in the Lok Sabha elections as its first condition. A large number of Jamaat leaders voted in these recent polls.
The Jamaat has formed an 8-member panel that has been in talks with the Centre and is taking the decision on behalf of the outfit’s Advisory Council.
