The 2024 assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the first in 10 years, are turning out to be a unique political contest in the history of the former state. On the one hand, separatist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) have entered the fray for the first time since the eruption of militancy, and on the other hand, relatives of separatists have also thrown their hats into the ring. Notably, Ajaz Guru, the brother of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged in 2013 by the Congress government, is among the contestants.
Ajaz is contesting to be an independent candidate from Sopore in Baramulla. Once a separatist stronghold, Sopore will witness a multi-cornered fight between the National Conference (NC), Congress, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Awami Itehad Party (AIP), and independents.
Sopore has boycotted polls in the past; however, the constituency recorded a 44 per cent turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. Most voters backed Engineer Rashid of AIP, who successfully contested from jail and won the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency, defeating Omar Abdullah of the National Conference and Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference.
The JeI commands significant support in Sopore, which observers believe could be crucial in securing a victory in the constituency.
Ajaz took voluntary retirement from the Animal Husbandry Department in 2014 and currently works as a contractor.
“I have filed my nomination papers from Sopore,” he said. He also clarified that he is not seeking votes in the name of his brother.
His motivation to contest the elections stems from the arrest of his jailed son, Shoaib Guru, who, he claims, has been imprisoned in a fabricated case.
“I will raise the voice for those who have been arrested in fabricated cases, including my son Shoaib,” he said.
Ajaz said that he will work for the people of Kashmir, who he believes have been betrayed by every political leader.
He said that some leaders promised autonomy, others self-rule, and some in the name of 'Azadi'.
In 2014, Sopore elected Congress candidate Haji Rashid, who has been fielded again from the constituency.
Sopore is one of five constituencies where the NC and Congress will have a "friendly contest" despite fighting the election together. Apart from these five seats, the NC will contest 51 seats, Congress 31, while one seat each has been left for a CPI(M) candidate and Jammu-based Panthers Party in Jammu.