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GG News Bureau
Srinagar, 27th August. Several former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir filed their nomination papers on Tuesday to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory as independent candidates. Among them is Sugra Barkati, who filed nomination papers on behalf of her father, Sarjan Barkati, a jailed separatist worker.

Despite the ban imposed on Jamaat-e-Islami by the Union Home Ministry, the group had previously expressed interest in participating in elections if the ban were lifted. The organization, which has not participated in any elections since 1987, was once part of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, known for advocating poll boycotts.

Talat Majeed, a former ameer (chief) of Jamaat-e-Islami, filed his nomination from the Pulwama constituency as an independent candidate. Majeed stated that he decided to participate in the political process after considering the changing geo-political scenario since 2008. He emphasized the need for organizations like Jamaat and Hurriyat Conference to play a role in the current political landscape of Kashmir.

Another former Jamaat leader, Sayar Ahmad Reshi, also announced his candidacy from the Kulgam Assembly seat, urging people to vote according to their conscience. Reshi highlighted the challenges faced by the youth in the region, including unemployment, and expressed his commitment to social justice.

Sarjan Barkati, who gained prominence during the unrest following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016, will be contesting from Shopian district. His daughter, Sugra Barkati, filed the nomination papers on his behalf as he remains in jail on terror charges.

This election marks the first Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the first in a decade. The elections will be conducted in three phases, with the first phase of voting scheduled for September 18, followed by September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 4.