Suhail Khan
Srinagar, August 25 – The political climate in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been taking on a new shape day by day, and the rumors seem to be never-ending. Amidst these rumors, one stands out – the Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been awaiting the revocation of its ban, will now be contesting the upcoming assembly elections on 7 seats as independents, top sources said.
Top sources, while speaking to Kashmir Despatch, have revealed that the banned Jamaat-e-Islami will be contesting the upcoming elections on seven seats now as independents. A few of these seats are from the southern region of Kashmir, while from North Kashmir, the Handwara and Sopore seats are likely to be included in the list.
Jamaat leaders had earlier said they were waiting for the Centre to lift the ban, in place under the UABASHAARAT MASOOPA since February 2019, with sources saying several rounds of talks had happened with the government. However, on Friday, the UAPA upheld the orders passed by the MHA declaring the Jamaat as an unlawful association under the Act.
According to the sources, the number of seats the Jamaat was planning to contest on was originally 19. However, after the continuation of the ban, the number has now been finalized at 7 seats across Kashmir.
Insider sources, while speaking to Kashmir Despatch, have also revealed that a meeting of the Jamaat-e-Islami was held in the summer capital Srinagar on Saturday, which was chaired by Ghuman Qadir Lone, General Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami. In the meeting, it was decided that they will now fight the assembly elections on 7 seats as independents, even though the number had earlier reached up to 19.
