The 37 years of electoral politics are now giving way to some effective attempts at its resurgence in the political scene by the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir. The move comes at a time when there are deliberations going on about the revocation of the ban on the outfit under UAPA enacted in 2019. Once revived, the Jamaat-e-Islami is certainly going to leave its impact on the political scene of the region, considering the traditional role played and controversies of late. By 1953, the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir had already made its mark on the scene of politics in the region. In the formative years, the outfit was aligned to the greater aim and objective of the pan-Islamic movement of the Jamaat-e-Islami that fronts the Islamic cause in matters of political and social concern.
The Jammu and Kashmir branch did have a strong influence on the political and social scene of the state. The involvement of the political outfit with Hizbul Mujahideen—an armed group fighting the insurgency in Kashmir—further muddled the political status of the party. It was directly involved in politics until 1987, after which the last elections were contested. Thereafter, with increasing restrictions and legal challenges, the influence of the party was mostly suppressed. In 2019, the Government of India banned the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir under the UAPA for alleged activities undermining the sovereignty and integrity of the country. The effect of the ban was to put a brake on the political activities of the party and freeze its assets. Re-entry into politics thus is a serious turn of events for the Jamaat-e-Islami. Presently, the leadership of the party is engaged in negotiations with the concerned authorities for removal of the ban under UAPA.
This development forms part of the broader design to regain lost political relevance and influence in a region dogged by continuous political instability and unending conflict. Such lifting of the UAPA ban would free the Jamaat-e-Islami to take part in future elections, thus considerably altering political dynamics related to Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, it would offer a platform for taking up main problems related to the region, be that economic development, social justice, or political representation. Still, if the UAPA ban gets lifted and there is a re-entry of the Jamaat-e-Islami into politics, it could mean a lot of things. The comeback of the party shall alter the balance of politics in Jammu and Kashmir. It has a historical base that, added to the present lot of voters who feel disfranchised or are aggrieved against the present political option, may get attracted.
This could lead to a realignment of political alliances and influence the outcome of future elections. Re-admittance of Jamaat-e-Islami may open up avenues for dialogue and reconciliation within the region. The engagement of the party in politics may create a platform for airing grievances and establishing discussions over central issues, hence setting an all-inclusive political environment that will help resolve the real causes of conflict. The return of the Jamaat-e-Islami can also have an impact on the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. The association of the party with Hizbul Mujahideen and its historical role in the insurgency could give rise to apprehensions about its potential impact on security and governance. Authorities will have to view with caution the activities of the party to ensure compliance with legal and security norms. The lifting of the ban and the re-entry of Jamaat-e-Islami will most probably be scrutinized by the public and media.
More Read
Much will be expected from the party, especially to expound the affiliations made in the past and give guarantees about their democratic principles and commitment to non-violence. How Jamaat-e-Islami fares in its re-entry into the political arena will largely depend on the perception of the public. The road to political re-entry is difficult to travel for the Jamaat-e-Islami. The party will have to negotiate a complicated legal and political landscape, come to terms with its controversial past, and build a credible platform to address the concerns of the people. Rebuilding trust and demonstrating a commitment to peaceful and democratic principles will hence be the sine qua non for success. The opportunity to participate in the political process, however, opens up a chance for the remodeling of the image of Jamaat-e-Islami and working towards the development of the region.
Key issues like economic growth, social justice, and governance can become the foci that may lead this party toward playing a constructive role in addressing the challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. The effort of the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir to re-enter politics after 37 years and strive to remove the UAPA ban is therefore a landmark moment in political history. Its return can alter Jammu and Kashmir’s political dynamics, as it brings challenges as well as opportunities. These things will unfold as the debate continues and the party gears itself up for its possible involvement in the elections to be held in the future and consequently shape the future trajectory of the political landscape in the region.
