FORMER JAMAAT MEMBERS VENTURE INTO J&K POLITICS

Former members of Jamaat-e-Islami and jailed hardliners are making unexpected political moves, signalling a strategic shift aimed at seeking a potential revocation of the group's ban.

- SAURABH SHARMA

A head of the highly anticipated Assembly elections in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the five-yearold UT is witnessing a peculiar political environment with former members of the banned outfit Jamaate-Islami (JeI) along with jailed hardliners, entering the political arena. The sudden change of heart from JI, which used to earlier brand participating in elections as 'haram', has come as a surprise and is being viewed as a major initiative by the banned outfit to 'please' the government, in order to get the ban revoked and enter the mainstream.

Top sources in JI said on the condition of anonymity, "Things have changed drastically in the valley post the abrogation of Article 370 and it is the only way that the BJP can make Jammu and Kashmir a prosperous region." Four candidates backed by JI have been cleared by the Election Commission and will now be contesting in the first phase of elections on September 18: Dr Talat Majeed (Pulwama), Sayar Ahmad (Kulgam), Nazir Ahmad Bhat (Devsar) and Umar Hameed (Zainapora).

"All these four are contesting independently, but will be backed by the Jamaat. For the coming two phases on September 25 and October 1, a near about 8-10 candidates would be finalised by JI and would be backed by them", said Kalimullah Lone, son of Ghulam Qadir Lone, one of the top leaders amongst the JI.