Srinagar, Sep 02: Two former members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) are expected to contest the upcoming assembly elections as independent candidates from North Kashmir Constituencies.
Sources told Rising Kashmir that Mohammad Sikander Malik, who previously served as the District President of JeI in Bandipora, is likely to contest from Bandipora whileas Mohd Amin Falahi, former JeI member, may contest from sopore Constituency.
Dr. Kaleemullah, son of former JeI General Secretary Gh Qadir Lone told Rising Kashmir that he will contest as an independent candidate from the Langate constituency in Kupwara district.
Langate has been a stronghold of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) led by Er Rashid, who has represented the constituency twice as an MLA.
Dr. Kaleemullah said that he will soon present his agenda to the people of Langate in the coming days.
Sources also said that both Mohammad Amin Falahi and Sikander Malik are currently in discussions with their respective constituencies and are likely to announce their candidacies soon.
Sources further said other former JeI members from Baramulla, Kupwara, Lolab, and Trehgam are also mulling to contest the elections as independent candidates.
Pertinent to mention here, in 2019, the Government imposed a ban on JeI, citing its involvement in anti-national activities.
In May this year, JeI announced that it would consider participating in the elections if the ban was lifted. However, the tribunal upheld the ban, ruling that the organization remains involved in activities deemed against national interests.