AIP, JeI forge alliance in Kashmir; will have friendly contest on 3 seats

Alliance to raise voice of Kashmiris: MP Rashid

SRINAGAR: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) announced an alliance on Sunday for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Union Home Ministry has banned Jamaat-e-Islami; however, several Jamaat members are fighting the polls as independent candidates.
In the joint meeting held today, the AIP delegation was led by AIP supremo and Member of Parliament Er Rashid, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, while Ghulam Qadir Wani led the JEI delegation. Prominent JEI members participated in the discussions.
At the core of the meeting was the current political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with both sides emphasizing the need to work together in the larger interest of the region’s population.
Following comprehensive deliberations, it was agreed that AIP would support JEI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama; similarly, JEI will support AIP candidates across Kashmir.
In areas where AIP and JEI have fielded candidates, the alliance has agreed to a “friendly contest,” particularly in constituencies like Langate, Devsar, and Zainapora. In other constituencies, mutual support will be extended to ensure a unified approach to the elections.
Both parties underscored the importance of unity in resolving the Kashmir issue and promoting a lasting and dignified peace in the region. They highlighted the rapidly evolving political landscape, regionally and internationally, and stressed that neither JEI nor AIP can afford to remain passive observers.
The leadership of both AIP and JEI has called upon their cadres to spread the message of support for each other’s candidates, in line with the agreement. The goal is to secure a resounding victory for AIP and JEI candidates, ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strong representatives who can articulate their sentiments and aspirations, said a senior leader of AIP.
Meanwhile speaking to media in Pulwama, Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid said, "The main aim of the alliance is to raise the voice of Kashmiris. We will fight to find a solution to the issue of Kashmir...We will support the candidates of Jamaat-e-Islami and they will support our candidates. There will be a mutual contest on some seats.