In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) has decided to back independent candidates. During a recent election meeting in Pulwama, the JeI committed its support to four independent candidates contesting in the South Kashmir constituencies of Kulgam, Pulwama, Devsar, and Zainapora.

The JeI has also decided to extend its support to certain candidates in the second and third phases of the election. The three-phase elections for the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are scheduled for September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results to be announced on October 8.

Due to a ban imposed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2019 for alleged anti-national activities and links to terrorism, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) is officially barred from participating in the elections. This ban, which was extended for an additional five years earlier this year, prevents the JeI from directly contesting the polls.

The Jamaat-e-Islami has long been accused of supporting separatist activities in Kashmir, including involvement in armed and violent protests. Following the controversial 1988 Assembly elections, the organization became increasingly associated with separatist movements. Additionally, the JeI’s alleged links to the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen are widely known.

In 2019, after the abrogation of Article 370, the government intensified its crackdown on the Jamaat-e-Islami under the UAPA, leading to the arrest of its leaders and the seizure of its assets. This move effectively dismantled the group’s operations.

Over the past year, the JeI has shifted its stance, moving from boycotting elections to actively supporting independent candidates. Sources indicate that the JeI leadership had engaged in discussions with Home Ministry officials, seeking the lifting of the ban to allow direct participation in the elections. However, these talks eventually stalled. As a result, the JeI is now backing candidates through proxy support.

Former Jamaat leader Ghulam Qadir Wani, however, refuted claims that the organisation opposed elections. “We never spoke against elections. We support our candidates and are hopeful they will effectively address the people’s issues,” he stated.

Jamaat’s participation in the elections could significantly influence voter turnout, particularly in its strongholds in North and South Kashmir. The organisation’s cadre-based workers, who previously supported election boycotts, may now turn out in large numbers to vote, potentially impacting the electoral prospects of established regional parties.

This shift could intensify competition in what has historically been a low-turnout electoral landscape.

Image source: India Today