AIP forges pre-poll alliance with ex-Jama’at candidates in J&K

Posing a challenge to the regional political parties particularly the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) led by Engineer Rashid, Member of Parliament and former members of Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) allied to “champion the cause of people” of the Union Territory.

The alliance was formed on Sep 15 during a meeting of AIP chief Eng. Rashid, with the JeI’s delegation led by Ghulam Qadir Wani, who heads a panel to decide on the election. Notably, JeI is not contesting the polls directly but has fielded independent candidates in elections starting Sep 18.

“After comprehensive deliberations, it was agreed that the AIP would support JeI-backed candidates in south Kashmir’s Kulgam and Pulwama. Similarly, the JeI will support AIP candidates across Kashmir,” AIP chief spokesman Inam-un-Nabi said in a statement.

“The motive of the pre-poll alliance is to champion the cause of the people of the UT. Both sides emphasized the need to work together in the larger interest of the people of UT. The meeting discussed the current political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The alliance has agreed to a friendly contest in some constituencies including Langate, Devsar, and Zainapora.” he added.

In other constituencies, mutual support will be extended to ensure a unified approach to the election, according to him.
Reiterating its joint stand, the AIP and former JeI leaders in a statement said both underscore the importance of unity in resolving the Kashmir issue and in promoting a lasting peace in the region.

The leaders of both groups called upon their cadres to spread the message of support for each other’s candidates in line with the agreement.

“The goal is to secure a resounding victory for AIP and JeI-backed candidates, ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strong representatives who can articulate their sentiments and aspirations,” reads the statement issued by AIP.

“This collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving a united front in the pursuit of peace, justice, and political empowerment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” it added.

Pertinently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in February this year extended the ban against JeI-Jammu Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967 for another five years. JeI was first declared an “unlawful association” on February 28, 2019.