Former separatists join mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of assembly elections

Srinagar, Sep 4: In a notable shift, a number of erstwhile separatist leaders and their family members have joined mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir recently. Some have even thrown their hats in the ring for upcoming assembly elections.

This comes after Jammat-e-Islami decided to field former members as independent candidates across various constituencies – marking the first time since 1987 that the group will participate directly in elections. Their move is seen as signifying an ideological change unfolding in the region's politics.

A key figure to align with a mainstream party was Syed Saleem Gilani, who joined People's Democratic Party (PDP). Gilani had long been associated with moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Omar Farooq, even heading the Jammu and Kashmir National People's Party for some time. PDP's commitment to resolving the Kashmir issue and releasing detainees aligned with his own views, he explained.

Last week, Aga Syed Muntazir – son of president of constituent separatist group Anjuman Sharie Shian – also joined PDP. He will contest from Budgam assembly segment. Another prominent former separatist Ghulam Nabi Shaheen is supporting Abdul Rashid Sheikh's Awami Ittehad Party, while Javaid Hubi signed up after his late father Dr. Ghulam Mohammad Hubi. Even the brother of jailed leader Bashir Ahmad Bhat is running on AIP ticket.

While some former Jammat members will stand independently, the son of the outfit's ex-general secretary is set to enter the fray from Langate. Kashmir's mainstream parties have welcomed separatists' participation, seeing it as a positive sign. How their involvement shapes the elections remains to be seen.