On Tuesday, several former members of the banned organisation, Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu
and Kashmir filed their nomination papers to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in the union territory as independent candidates. Among them, Sugra Barkati, daughter of jailed separatist leader Sarjan Barkati, also filed papers on behalf of her father.
Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been banned by the union home ministry, has been unable to
participate in elections. Despite expressing interest in participating in the Lok Sabha
elections if the ban were lifted, the party has not contested any elections since 1987. It was previously part of the separatist amalgam Hurriyat Conference, which advocated for boycotts of elections from 1993 to 2003.
Talat Majeed, former chief of Jamaat, filed his nomination from the Pulwama constituency as an independent candidate. Majeed explained his decision, saying, “After reflecting on the
changing geopolitical landscape since 2008, I believe it is time to move beyond past
rigidities. We must engage with the political process to address current challenges.”
Majeed also emphasised the role of organisations like Jamaat and Hurriyat in today’s
political environment, noting, “We cannot ignore global dynamics when discussing Kashmir.
As Kashmiris, we must focus on the present and work towards a better future.”
Another former Jamaat leader, Sayar Ahmad Reshi, is contesting from the Kulgam
Assembly seat. Reshi urged voters to act according to their conscience, stating, “It is up to
Allah to bless or disgrace a person, but I appeal to people to vote according to their own
judgment. We aim to launch a historic movement for reforms.”
Reshi highlighted pressing issues such as unemployment and inadequate pensions,
emphasising, “While we have introduced sports to keep youth away from violence, jobs are
needed. We will work towards social justice and address the challenges faced by the elderly
and unemployed.”
Sarjan Barkati, known for his prominence during the unrest following the killing of Hizbul
Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016, will also be contesting from Shopian district.
His daughter, Sugra Barkati, filed the nomination papers on his behalf due to his current
imprisonment on terror charges.
The Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will be held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. The elections, the first in a decade, will take place in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the vote counting scheduled for October 4.