 Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 1: The joining of Syed Salim Gilani, a former member of the Hurriyat Conference, in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a clear indication that separatist leaders are fed up with the politics of separatism.
After the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, separatist leaders are lined up to join the mainstream parties to fight the electoral battle Separatist leaders and their family members are joining mainstream political parties to contest the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. This shift comes after the government's crackdown on separatism and militancy in 2019.
Syed Salim Gilani, a former member of the Hurriyat Conference, has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and may contest from Srinagar's Khanyar constituency. Gilani cited the PDP's commitment to addressing the Kashmir issue and human rights as reasons for his dec Former member of Hurriyat Conference, Syed Salim Gilani joining PDP is an indication that separatist are fed up with secessionism.
After the announcement of Assembly elections in J&K, separatists have lined up to join the mainstream parties to fight the electoral battle.
Syed Salim Gilani may contest from Srinagar’s Khanyar constituency.
Aga Syed Muntazir, son of Aga Syed Hassan Al Moosvi, has joined the PDP and will contest from Budgam. Javaid Hubi, son of former Hurriyat leader Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Hubi, has joined the Awami Itehad Party (AIP) and will contest from Chrar-i-Sharif.
Altaf Ahmad Bhat, brother of jailed separatist leader Bashir Ahmad Bhat, is contesting on the AIP ticket from Rajpora. Munir Khan, brother of jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan, is contesting from Baramulla and has fielded candidates in south Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Nationalist Peoples Front banner.
At least four former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami are contesting the elections in the first phase.
The reasons for this shift are unclear, but it may be attributed to the government's crackdown on separatism and the desire for political relevance. The elections will be a test for these new entrants in mainstream politics. | 