Jailed Separatist Cleric and Former Jamaat-e-Islami Members Join J&K Assembly Election Race
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Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will see participation from some unexpected candidates. A jailed separatist cleric and former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) are entering the political fray.
Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati, a well-known radical cleric famous for his ‘pro-Azadi’ speeches during the 2016 protests against Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist commander Burhan Wani's killing, has decided to contest the upcoming J&K Assembly elections.
Barkati, who is currently in jail for raising illegal funds to promote radicalism, has filed his nomination papers for the elections scheduled for September 18 from Zainapora Shopian. His burqa clad daughter, Sugra Barkati, submitted the papers on his behalf.
Though Barkati is a separatist leader, he is not associated with Jamaat-e-Islami. However, the banned Jamaat-e-Islami has also fielded three of its former members as independent candidates.
These candidates will contest from different constituencies in South Kashmir: Talaat Majeed from Pulwama, Sayar Ahmad Reshi from Kulgam, and Mohammad Sidiq from Devsar.
Although Jamaat-e-Islami is prohibited from participating in elections due to a ban imposed by the Union Home Ministry, the organization had previously shown interest in taking part in the Lok Sabha elections if the ban were lifted. Despite the continued ban, former members are now entering the political arena independently, aiming to make their mark in the forthcoming polls.
The Jamaat-e-Islami was banned by the Indian government in February 2019 for being an "unlawful association" and for activities considered harmful to internal security. Earlier this year, the ban was extended for another five years. Despite this, former members of the organisation are now stepping into mainstream politics.