* Promise peace, prosperity
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Sept 8: The former members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) drew a large crowd at its first election rally in Bugam area of Kulgam district today, marking its return to politics with promises of a peaceful political revolution and a prosperous Kashmir.
This is the first time since 1987 the members of socio-religious organization are participating in elections, despite their party being banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
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The rally, attended by thousands of people of all ages, was strategically held in the heart of South Kashmir, where four former members of JeI are Independent candidates for the first phase of the Assembly polls. The candidates are Talaat Majeed from Pulwama, Sayar Ahmad Reshi from Kulgam, Mohammad Sidiq from Devsar and Advocate Aijaz from Wachi, Shopian. The crowd showed strong support for them and their role in the democratic process.
During the rally, the spokesperson of these members, Shamim Ahmad Thokar praised the impressive turnout and suggested that similar support would have been seen throughout the Valley had the ban been lifted. “The kind of beginning you saw today represents a democratic process. The flood of people we witnessed here would have been seen across other parts of Kashmir if our ban had been lifted,” he said.
Thokar characterized the rally as the start of a peaceful political revolution. “For years, we were sidelined and pushed to the margins. We were put to the wall. Now, we are back,” he said.
Regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Thokar expressed a welcoming stance. “We are ready to protect them. Their homes and properties are here. We welcome them,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for the ban to be lifted so that JeI can field candidates across the Valley in future elections. “We are peaceful people working towards the welfare of the underprivileged. We request that our ban be lifted so we can contribute positively. We are good citizens committed to taking care of the people,” Thokar said.
The candidates expressed high hopes for their election prospects. Sayar Ahmed Reshi highlighted the need to fill the vacuum left by regional political parties and acknowledged that criticism would come. “The sea of people is our strength. We are here to fill the void and face any challenges that come our way,” he said.
Another candidate, Aijaz, promised to serve the people of Kashmir with integrity. “We will not promote corruption and will work transparently. We aim to represent the aspirations of the people in the Assembly,” he said.
Pertinently, Bugam has historically boycotted elections. The participation in the democratic process by the former members of JeI has renewed faith in electoral politics.
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