In the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections held after 10 years, at least 30 candidates had connections to terrorism or separatism. These former militants and separatist leaders, who once dreamed of Kashmir’s freedom through violence, participated in the elections this time, believing in democracy. This included candidates like the brother of terrorist Afzal Guru and the brother of Engineer Rashid, who is currently out on bail under the UAPA law.
Candidates Linked to Terrorism
One of the most notable candidates was Ejaz Ahmed Guru, the brother of Afzal Guru, who was executed for the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. Ejaz chose the path of democracy by contesting elections. However, due to his family background, he was completely rejected by the voters in the valley.
Ejaz Ahmed Guru Received Only 129 Votes
Ejaz Ahmed Guru contested from the Sopore seat but received only 129 votes, which was less than the 341 votes received by the NOTA (None of the Above) option. The National Conference leader Irshad Rasool Kar won the Sopore seat. Despite being in an alliance, the Congress party also fielded a candidate there, who garnered only 5,167 votes.
Engineer Rashid’s Performance
Engineer Rashid, a Member of Parliament from Baramulla, fielded 44 candidates in this election. He previously defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Lok Sabha elections, so there was considerable interest in his candidates. However, apart from his brother Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, none of Engineer Rashid’s candidates won.
Khursheed Ahmed contested from the Langate assembly seat, where Engineer Rashid had previously served as an MLA. Other candidates from Engineer Rashid’s party, including spokesperson Firdous Baba and businessman Sheikh Ashiq Hussain, could not even secure their deposits.
Mohammad Farooq Khan Received 100 Votes
The Jamaat-e-Islami also fielded four candidates and supported four others. However, apart from Shair Ahmed Reshi from Kulgam, none of the candidates from Jamaat-e-Islami or its supporters could save their deposits.
Mohammad Farooq Khan, known as Saifullah, was a commander of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front. He contested from Habba Kadal on a Samajwadi Party ticket but received only 100 votes.
Usman Majid Also Lost
Another notable name is Usman Majid, who was linked to militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. He entered politics after leaving militancy in the 1990s and served as a two-time MLA from Bandipora. However, this time, the Congress candidate Nizamuddin Bhat won the Bandipora seat, with Usman Majid coming in second.
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Gulzar Ahmed Dar, a leader from Mehbooba Mufti’s PDP, had gone to PoK and taken up arms in the 1990s but surrendered in 1994 and started cooperating with the army. This time, he was a candidate for the PDP from Damhal Hanjipora but lost to the National Conference candidate Sakina Masood.
In conclusion, apart from Engineer Rashid’s brother Khursheed Ahmad, no other former militants or separatist leaders received support from the public, which is seen as a positive sign for democracy in the region.
