Bugam (Kulgam), Sept 08: Members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) held a gathering on Sunday in support of four independent candidates contesting in the upcoming assembly elections in south Kashmir.
Shamim Ahmad Thoker, a panel member of the JeI, referred to the event as the start of a “new, peaceful political revolution in Kashmir”.
Addressing the gathering, Thoker said, “This is the beginning of a peaceful revolution, a political revolution, and a path to a prosperous Kashmir.”
The event was also addressed by other JeI panel members, including Ghulam Gadir Wani, independent candidate Aijaz Ahmad Mir and former JeI member and Pulwama candidate Dr Talat Majid.
When asked about the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Thoker extended an invitation, expressing readiness to protect them and ensure their safety. “Their homes and properties are here. We will take care of them,” he said, reaffirming JeI’s commitment to safeguarding all communities in the valley.
Shamin also addressed the ongoing ban on JeI, saying, “Had the ban been lifted, JeI would have actively participated in the electoral process. Despite the ban, this gathering shows our dedication to democracy. He called for the ban’s revocation, saying JeI has always been serving the people.
Sayar Ahmad Reshi, an independent candidate from the Kulgam constituency and former JeI member, said Jamaat was always committed to democracy. “The Jama’at has always had faith in democracy.
From the grassroots level to the Ameer (President) level, the elections in the JeI are democratic. There is no scope for individual opinion, and this proves our trust in democracy,” he said.
Reshi added, “Democracy was destroyed in the 1987 elections, leading to widespread mistrust. Our Pandit community distanced itself from us, and they too became victims of the resulting circumstances. However, the recent elections have shown us that fair elections are possible, which has encouraged us to participate once again.”
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