Jamaat-e-Islami addresses first election rally in Kashmir since 1987

For the first time since 1987, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) demonstrated its strength by organising a large rally in the Bugam area of Kulgam district, South Kashmir, on Sunday.

The JeI was banned in February by the Centre following the suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy at Lehtpora in Pampore, outside Srinagar.

JeI-backed candidates promised to advocate for the region's concerns and address the issue of political prisoners if elected.

JeI, the largest socio-religious organisation in Kashmir, has fielded former members as independents in Kulgam and Pulwama, both in South Kashmir, and is supporting two independent candidates.

Kulgam is the stronghold of CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami, who has won from the constituency four times. This time, he faces JeI-backed independent Sayed Ahmed Reshi.

Hundreds of JeI supporters and others attended the rally. The entry of JeI into the electoral fray has increased competition among political parties.

After the abrogation of Article 370, JeI faced intense pressure from the central agencies. Many of its members are in jail, and its properties have been seized.

The JeI had entered into talks with the Centre about participating in elections in exchange for lifting the ban on the organisation, but the Centre refused. Earlier this year, in February, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the ban on JeI-Jammu and Kashmir for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967. The group was first designated as an "unlawful association" by the MHA on February 28, 2019.

JeI leaders and supporters voted in the Lok Sabha polls and also encouraged others to exercise their democratic rights.

“We are here to address the void left by the regional political parties,’’ Reshi said at the rally.

He stated that the large gathering was proof of their strength. He added that they had never supported violence, and all of them were educated, peaceful, and committed to strengthening democracy. Regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits, he said the government must take serious steps. “We want to send them a message that we will become their protectors. Even if we have only two rooms, we will offer one to them,’’ he said.

“Our supporters are conscientious people who can’t be bought and will vote for us in large numbers,’’ he added. “When we emerge victorious, the first thing we will do is bow before Allah.” 

He emphasised that no one within the JeI was unhappy with the decision to contest the elections. “This is a decision taken by the Shura (consultative body),” he explained. “Even if someone is unhappy with the decision, the discipline and order within the JeI ensures that no one goes against the Shura’s decision.” He urged people to join the revolution and not vote for those running a mafia.

Another candidate, Aijaz Mir, expressed his commitment to serving the people of Kashmir. “If elected, I will serve without compromise,’’ he said. “We will not support corruption. We will work transparently and will speak for Kashmir and Kashmiris.”

He vowed to represent the people’s aspirations in the Assembly.

JeI’s Pulwama candidate, Talat Majid, said that if he discusses JeI, it should be understood that it is with JeI’s trust. “I have said before that I want to do politics from the platform of JeI,’’ he said.