AIP and Jamaat pledge to support each other in many segments of the congregation

Two days ahead of the polling for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) have formally announced the formation of a strategic alliance to work together in the greater interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Polling for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held on September 18.

The two sides held a joint meeting, headed by AIP chief and MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Er Rashid, to discuss the current political situation and the need for unity to resolve the Kashmir issue.

A statement issued by the AIP said that the meeting dealt with the current political situation in Jammu and Kashmir with both sides stressing the need to work together in the greater interest of the people of the region. After detailed deliberations, it was agreed that the AIP would support the candidates supported by the JEI in Kulgam and Pulwama. Similarly, the JEI will support the AIP candidates across Kashmir.

In areas where both the AIP and the JEI have fielded candidates, the alliance has agreed to engage in “friendly competition”, including in the constituencies of Langate, Devsar and Zainapora. In other constituencies, mutual support will be provided to ensure a unified approach to the elections.

Key decisions:

• – AIP will support JEI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama.
• – JEI will support AIP candidates across Kashmir.
• – In areas where both parties have fielded candidates, a “friendly competition” will be organised, particularly in the constituencies of Langate, Devsar and Zainapora.
• – Mutual support will be extended to other constituencies to ensure a unified approach to the elections.

Unity and cooperation:

The Alliance underlines the importance of unity in resolving the Kashmir issue and promoting a lasting and dignified peace in the region. Both sides recognize the rapidly changing political landscape, both regionally and internationally, and emphasize that they cannot afford to remain passive observers.

Joint statement:

According to a statement issued by the IPA, “both sides underlined the importance of unity in resolving the Kashmir issue and promoting lasting and dignified peace in the region. They highlighted the rapidly changing political landscape, both regionally and internationally, and stressed that neither the JEI nor the IPA can afford to remain passive observers.”

This strategic alliance marks a significant development in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir as two major parties come together to champion the cause of the people and work towards a unified approach to elections.
In other constituencies, mutual support will be extended to ensure a unified approach to the elections, the spokesperson added.

“Both sides stressed the importance of unity in resolving the Kashmir issue and promoting lasting and dignified peace in the region.

“They highlighted the rapidly changing political landscape, both regionally and internationally, and stressed that neither the JEI nor the IPA can afford to remain passive observers,” the spokesperson said.

The leaders of the AIP and the JEI called on their cadres to spread a message of support for each other’s candidates, which is in line with the agreement.

“The objective is to ensure a resounding victory for the AIP and JEI candidates, ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strong representatives who can express their sentiments and aspirations,” he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami was banned in February 2019

On February 28, 2019, the Jamaat-e-Islami of Jammu and Kashmir, a radical organisation, was banned by the Home Ministry for its alleged involvement in subversive activities in the region. The Home Ministry had claimed that the organisation had close links with secessionist and terrorist groups and opposed the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian Union.

After the ban on the JeI, the authorities carried out a massive crackdown on its front- and second-line leaders and arrested hundreds of its members and associates across Jammu and Kashmir.

The ban was extended for five years in February this year. Several influential Jamaat leaders are contesting the parliamentary elections as independent candidates.