Excelsior Correspondent
PULWAMA, May 13: Former district Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Ghulam Qadir Wani, today cast his vote saying that JeI has never given a poll boycott call and always believed in resolving issues democratically.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at Goosu in district Pulwama, Wani said: “We have never issued any boycott calls, and we have always believed in democracy. There has been confusion among the people and previous Governments, with slogans of Azadi being raised. Different groups were formed, and those groups wrongly associate the boycott with Jamaat-e-Islami. We have never advocated for boycotts,” he said.
The former JeI district Amir said that JeI believes in resolving issues through democratic means. “It is clearly stated in our agenda that Jamat will not engage in underground activities. Whatever we say, we will say it openly,” he said.
Regarding JeI’s participation in Assembly elections, Wani said JeI is a banned organization and it can’t carry out any social, religious or political activity. “First, we are a banned organization, and no banned organization can participate in elections or any other social activities. When the ban is lifted, only then can we consider whether we can contest elections or not. If circumstances permit at that time, we will contest elections and continue our tradition of participating in them,” he added.
Regarding participation of youth in the elections, the former JeI leader described it as a positive development. “Youth are participating in elections, as it ensures that their issues are settled democratically and promotes brotherhood among them,” he said.
“It will also help in eliminating social evils that are spreading, as the youth are scattered. If they unite based on the guidelines of the Quran and Islam, which advocate for a society free from evil, our future will be bright. Jamaat Islami is casting votes across the Valley, as it is a democratic process, and we have no other choice but to participate,” he added.
Dr Talat Majeed, a former member of JeI in Pulwama district, who recently joined Altaf Bukhari’s political party (Apni Party), also cast his vote.
Dr Majeed emphasized the importance of the election in showcasing the Kashmiri people’s commitment to democracy. “This election process will answer those people who were claiming that the future of Kashmiris was not secure with India,” he stated, noting the significant shift in the political landscape post the Article 370 abrogation.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
