Banned Jamaat-e-Islami Fields Ex-Members As Independents In Kashmir Elections

As the deadline for filing nominations for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections approaches, the banned organization Jamaat-e-Islami is preparing to field at least three former members as Independent candidates across South Kashmir constituencies.

The organization initially planned to run seven candidates as Independents in the first phase, scheduled for September 18. However, three of these candidates have withdrawn at the last minute, as reported by Indian Express.

Jamaat-e-Islami Fields Ex-Members - Who Are They?

The Jamaat-e-Islami has now finalized three Independent candidates and is still negotiating with a fourth. Dr. Talat Majeed, a former Jamaat-e-Islami member who joined the mainstream Apni Party in 2023, will contest from the Pulwama constituency. Majeed, a respected local figure, marks the Jamaat's attempt to align with mainstream political movements.

Sayar Ahmad Reshi, currently an assistant director at the Jamaat-affiliated Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), will run from Kulgam. Reshi, who faced scrutiny earlier this year from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in an alleged terror funding case, has been active in recent elections.

Mohammad Sidiq, a relatively unknown figure, has been chosen as the Jamaat's candidate for the Devsar Assembly seat. The organization is also in talks to finalize a fourth candidate for the Zainpora Assembly constituency in Shopian, though his candidacy remains uncertain, as per media reports.

The Jamaat-e-Islami's struggle to field candidates highlights the internal challenges and discontent within its ranks. The party's decision to enter the electoral fray has met with resistance from some of its members, who number around 20,000 across Jammu and Kashmir.

In July, it was reported that the Jamaat-e-Islami engaged in discussions with the Centre through Altaf Bukhari, hoping to lift the ban imposed on it under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act since February 2019. The Centre's condition for lifting the ban was participation in the Lok Sabha elections, which many Jamaat leaders complied with, as per media reports.

The Jamaat-e-Islami has formed an eight-member panel to negotiate with the Centre and decide on electoral strategies, backed by key figures such as Dr. Hameed Fayaz and Faheem Ramzan.

The organization plans to field 10-12 Independent candidates in the Valley for the three-phase Assembly elections, signaling its ongoing efforts to reestablish its political presence.