Sikandar Malik, an independent candidate from the Bandipore constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, is drawing attention due to his campaign for the Assembly elections while under judicial monitoring, wearing a GPS tracking anklet, which he says is an encroachment on his privacy.
Malik, a former district president of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Kashmir, has been actively campaigning despite the restrictions placed on the organisation by the Union government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The Jamaat-e-Islami has been prohibited from officially participating in the elections since 2019, following accusations of anti-national activities and connections to terrorism. This ban, imposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, was renewed earlier this year for an additional five years.
Malik, having been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with a UAPA case, is currently out on bail and has been required to wear a GPS tracking anklet for the last four months as part of the ongoing investigation.
Malik’s campaign has focused on local development issues, particularly in Bandipore, with an emphasis on improving education in the region. Regardless of his links to the banned organisation, Malik maintains that his focus is on the constituency’s growth and development.
His candidacy has led to speculation among political parties, particularly regarding the involvement of the Jamaat in the elections, given the organisation’s shift in stance over the past year. Previously, the Jamaat had boycotted electoral participation, but now it is reportedly backing independent candidates like Malik, signalling a change in strategy.
There are also allegations that Malik’s candidacy is part of a broader political strategy to fragment votes in the region, a claim he has dismissed. Meanwhile, Malik has raised concerns about his treatment, specifically the requirement to wear the tracking device, describing it as a violation of his rights.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have already seen three phases of voting, with the final phase scheduled for October 1. Election results will be announced on October 8.