Srinagar: Several former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) have come together under a new political outfit, the Jammu and Kashmir Justice and Development Front, with the aim of contesting elections under a unified banner.
The announcement was made at a workers' convention in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, an area that was once a stronghold of JeI. Addressing the gathering, Shameem Ahmad, a former JeI member and the newly appointed president of the front, described the move as the beginning of a "new movement."
“We were not disheartened by our defeat in the elections. We secured 26,000 votes, and the people's support was immense. After 37 years, our people organized themselves and came forward to vote for us,” he said, referring to the performance of former JeI members who contested last year’s assembly elections as independent candidates.
Sayir Reshi, another former JeI member who unsuccessfully contested from the Kulgam segment, emphasized that the front’s goal is to build a political system rooted in justice and genuine development. “We want to establish a system that does not deceive the people,” he stated.
Reshi also noted that their lack of official registration in the last assembly elections had prevented them from contesting under a common symbol. “Now, we have formally announced our front, and its official launch will take place in Srinagar,” he added.
As the general secretary of the front, Reshi outlined plans to select educated representatives from various regions who would work for the welfare of the people and keep society away from social evils. He further declared the front’s intent to participate in all upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
“God willing, we will contest the local bodies elections, and we will sweep them,” he asserted.
With PTI inputs