Informist, Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024

By Kuldeep Singh

SRINAGAR – "Laptop, laptop, laptop", supporters of Sayar Ahmad Reshi sloganeer as he arrives to address people ahead of the polls in Jammu & Kashmir. The laptop election symbol goes well with the poll plank of education, employment, and women empowerment chosen by Reshi, the Jamaat-e-Islami-backed independent candidate contesting from the Kulgam constituency in South Kashmir.

"We have never boycotted elections," Reshi tells Informist in an interview ahead of the first phase of elections on Wednesday. "Yes, Jamaat kept its distance from elections, but that was a protest against the rigging of elections in 1987. Otherwise, Jamaat has never supported this boycott policy. But now, we have entered this field, and want a better future for our children," he says.

Jamaat-e-Islami last contested elections in 1987. It was banned by the Centre in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, but now, candidates backed by it are also contesting from Pulwama, Zainpora, Devsar, and Langate. Its supporters believe the faction has a strong hold in South Kashmir.

The entry of candidates backed by the Jamaat is seen as a major shift in the political landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. Citing Sheikh Abdul Rashid's win over National Conference Vice-President Omar Abdullah from Baramulla in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Reshi says trust in the election process has been restored in the Valley.

Following are edited excerpts of the interview with Reshi:

Q. Jamaat-e-Islami has had a history of boycotting elections in the past. What led to this major shift in strategy?

A. We have never boycotted elections. Yes, Jamaat kept its distance from elections, but that was a protest against the rigging of elections in 1987. Otherwise, Jamaat has never supported this boycott policy. But now, we have entered this field, and we want a better future for our children. Some people benefitted from our decision to not contest elections. But now, we don't want them to benefit from this.

Q. Has trust in the election process been restored in the Valley?

A. We always had trust in the Indian Constitution. But elections in the Valley were not free and fair...Parliamentary elections proved that the elections here are now free and fair. That's why we have decided to become part of the elections.

Q. What is Jamaat's plan for the elections?

A. Jamaat wanted that the ban (on it) be lifted so that we could take part in the election as a party. But that didn't happen. So, our mentors deliberated on the situation and arrived at the conclusion that we should take part as independents. For how long should we keep waiting? Had the ban been lifted, Jamaat as a party would have been in the election fray today.

Q. What has changed in Kashmir after the abrogation of special status granted by Article 370?

A. People are very upset and feeling insecure. We are with the people on this.

Q. Is Article 370 an issue in these elections? What are the other issues you’re focussed on?

A. Abrogation of Article 370 is an issue for entire Jammu & Kashmir. It should not have happened. Unfortunately, it happened. The entire community is upset with the decision. People feel insecure because of this. Apart from this, I will focus on horticulture, agriculture, education, employment, women empowerment, security of livelihood, and security of food.

Q. Will you work for restoration of special status and statehood?

A. We will work for restoration of (Article) 370 and statehood of Jammu & Kashmir. Statehood should be restored as soon as possible. We have such a huge population. For the first time, a state was converted into a Union territory.

Q. It has been alleged that you and other independents have been propped up by New Delhi to weaken regional parties.

A. Look, there is a mosque near my home, but I could not perform prayer there in the last five years. Whenever I (would) go to the mosque, someone would call security and say I have gone there. Such was the situation. Had we been New Delhi's proxies, we would not have been banned, our members wouldn't have been in jails. People working in our institutions haven't received salaries for eight-nine months. With God's blessings, I'm contesting the elections and now people are coming forward to support me.

Q. The National Conference and the People's Democratic Party allege you're proxies of New Delhi.

A. Earlier, these people were talking about Jamaat and its welfare. They want to play this card again. They didn't want Jamaat to contest elections. But now, we have entered this arena; now, they can't play this card any more. This is why they have gone crazy and are propagating this narrative against us. They don't have any issues. The people of Kashmir have seen their work and are aware of their agenda now. It will not help them.

Q. How is the people's support for Jamaat-backed candidates in Kashmir?

A. We have always worked for this region and community. We have worked for the education and welfare of this community. After we decided to contest elections, the entire community has come forward to support us. Now, these parties have left nothing. They are exposed in front of people.

Q. How do you see India-Pakistan relations evolving after these elections?

A. I don't know how these elections will impact India-Pakistan relations. But the relations between these two countries should be better and the issues between the two nations will only be resolved with dialogue and diplomacy.

Q. Do you think the notion of pro-Pakistan sentiment has come down in the Valley?

A. Pro-Pakistan sentiment was because of the Hurriyat; Jamaat never had such sentiments. Jamaat trusts the Indian Constitution and only believes in working for the people of the region and the community. It believes in the Indian Constitution and in working according to the Constitution alone.

Q. Will you go for any post-poll alliances? Which party would you support in case of a hung Assembly?

A. The decision will be taken by our leaders. We collectively decided to contest elections and the decision of the alliance will also be taken, if needed, after thorough deliberations. End

Edited by Avishek Dutta

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