The Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) of Jammu and Kashmir, which is currently banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), might participate in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
The government is in talks with the JeI's highest decision-making body, the Shoora, which has formed a panel to discuss the group's participation in elections and other issues. JeI leader Dr. Fayaz Hamid and other senior leaders are expected to support the panel's discussions.
According to a source, the JeI may either form a new group to contest the elections or participate directly under the JeI banner if the ban is lifted.
"The JeI might also support another regional party, except for National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, Apni Party, and People's Conference," the source added.
In a video message, Hamid stated that the panel, authorised by the Shoora, is working to resolve issues and will decide on the JeI's role in the elections.
"We will support the decision made by the panel," he said.
Former general secretary Faheem Ramzan confirmed that participating in elections is not new for the JeI.
"JeI has contested elections since 1979 and was once the main opposition in the Assembly," he mentioned.
Ramzan also indicated that the JeI might amend its constitution to have the ban lifted.
Ghulam Qadir Wani, head of the JeI panel, expressed in May that the JeI would be willing to join the Assembly elections if the ban was removed.
The panel aims to negotiate with the Centre to lift the ban and address other issues.
While most panel members and Shoora members favour contesting the elections to lift the ban, some leaders are against it.
The government has accused the JeI of supporting separatism and engaging in terrorism and anti-India activities.
If the ban is lifted, this will be the first time since 1987 that the JeI participates in elections.
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