Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir's Return to Electoral Politics: History, Importance, and Relevance

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 17 September 2024 After A Hiatus Of Nearly 37 Years, JIJK Has Returned To The Political Arena, Making Its Participation In The 2024 Elections A Key Moment In The Region's Political Evolution. Main Points: 1. In the 1970s, JIJK began to see electoral politics as a platform to advocate for the Islamic way of life and challenge the secular framework imposed by India 2. By the late 1980s, the political landscape in Kashmir began to change, and JIJK found itself at a crossroads. The party became part of the Muslim United Front (MUF), a coalition that contested the 1987 elections on an Islamist platform. 3. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, JIJK distanced itself from electoral politics, aligning more closely with separatist organizations like the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). 4. Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir’s participation in the 2024 elections marks a significant shift in its political strategy. ------ Introduction Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir (JIJK), a socio-religious organization with a long and complex history, has played a significant role in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape. After a hiatus of nearly 37 years, JIJK has returned to the political arena, making its participation in the 2024 elections a key moment in the region's political evolution. This essay explores JIJK's history, its reasons for re-entering electoral politics, and the implications of this move for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) at a time when its political situation remains fragile. Historical Background of Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir Founded in 1945, Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir initially focused on propagating Islamic teachings and principles, but it soon became a political force in the region. The organization drew ideological inspiration from the Jamaat-e-Islami founded by Abul Ala Maududi in South Asia, promoting the establishment of an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir actively participated in elections as early as 1951, but it has had a turbulent electoral history marked by both successes and failures. In the 1970s, JIJK began to see electoral politics as a platform to advocate for the Islamic way of life and challenge the secular framework imposed by India. Despite initial optimism, their political journey was fraught with challenges. Allegations of rigging marred their participation in the 1971 and 1983 elections, with JIJK securing only a few seats. However, these electoral failures did not prevent the party from growing its grassroots influence, especially through its strong network of schools and social welfare programs​. Shift Toward Separatism and Boycott of Elections By the late 1980s, the political landscape in Kashmir began to change, and JIJK found itself at a crossroads. The party became part of the Muslim United Front (MUF), a coalition that contested the 1987 elections on an Islamist platform. When these elections were widely perceived to have been rigged, it led to a deep disillusionment with the democratic process among many Kashmiris. This discontent became one of the triggers for the armed insurgency in the region. Many members of JIJK, frustrated by the lack of political space, aligned with the rising separatist sentiment. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, JIJK distanced itself from electoral politics, aligning more closely with separatist organizations like the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC). Its ideological proximity to militant groups like Hizbul Mujahideen further solidified its image as a pro-Pakistan group seeking the integration of Kashmir with Pakistan. During this period, JIJK actively boycotted elections, promoting the idea that participating in Indian democratic processes would legitimize India's control over the disputed territory of Kashmir​. Jamaat's Participation in 2024 Elections: A Strategic Shift In a significant development, JIJK has decided to field candidates in the 2024 J&K elections, albeit indirectly through independent candidates. This marks a radical departure from its decades-long strategy of boycotting elections. The decision to re-enter the electoral fray comes after years of introspection and changing dynamics in the region, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Article 370 had granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, and its removal by the Indian government dramatically altered the political landscape. Following this, the region was downgraded to a union territory, a move that heightened tensions but also created new political opportunities. Jamaat’s participation in 2024 is seen by many as an attempt to re-engage with the mainstream political process. Although JIJK is still technically banned under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, its members are contesting as independents in constituencies like Pulwama, Kulgam, and Devsar​. For the first time in nearly four decades, JIJK is back in the political arena, despite its ideological opposition to Indian rule over Kashmir. This shift could be seen as a pragmatic approach to ensuring the organization's survival and relevance in a rapidly changing socio-political environment. Importance of JIJK's Return The return of JIJK to electoral politics is significant for several reasons: 1.Engagement in Mainstream Politics: After decades of promoting a separatist agenda, JIJK's decision to contest elections signals a shift toward mainstream engagement. This move could be interpreted as an acceptance of the political realities in the region post-2019, when the Indian government took aggressive steps to assert greater control over J&K. 2. Grassroots Influence: Jamaat has a vast network of educational institutions and social welfare programs, which have helped it build a strong base of support in Kashmir. This organizational strength gives it a unique ability to mobilize voters, particularly in South Kashmir. While its influence waned during the years of electoral boycott, its return is likely to reinvigorate its political relevance​. 3. Relevance in the Face of New Political Challenges: The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is no longer the same as it was in the 1980s. The abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganization of the region have opened new avenues for political participation. JIJK’s participation could serve as a counterweight to traditional Kashmiri political parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), both of which have lost significant ground since 2019​. 4. Impact on Separatist Politics: JIJK's decision to participate in elections may also weaken the separatist camp, which has relied on the Jamaat’s ideological support for decades. By contesting elections, JIJK is sending a message that it is willing to work within the Indian political system, albeit under protest, which could have far-reaching implications for separatist movements in Kashmir​. The Relevance of JIJK's Participation in the Current Scenario The 2024 elections in Jammu and Kashmir are not just another round of electoral politics; they carry immense symbolic and practical importance. For one, these are the first legislative elections since the region's special status was revoked. The involvement of JIJK, which had long championed the cause of separatism, adds to the complexity of the elections. Jamaat's entry into mainstream politics can be seen as part of a broader trend where former separatist groups are reassessing their strategies in light of the changing political environment. While some sections within JIJK are likely to continue advocating for separatism, the participation of its members in elections signals a recognition that electoral politics might offer a more sustainable path to achieving their objectives in the current context. Conclusion Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir’s participation in the 2024 elections marks a significant shift in its political strategy. From its early days of contesting elections, through its period of separatism and boycott, to its present-day engagement in electoral politics, JIJK's journey reflects the broader complexities of Kashmir's political history. Its return is not just a tactical move but a recognition that the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is evolving. Whether JIJK’s participation will bring about meaningful change or further polarize the region remains to be seen, but its decision to re-enter the political arena underscores its enduring relevance in Kashmiri politics. ----- Grace Mubashir is a research scholar specializing in contemporary Islam in South Asia URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/jamaat-islami-kashmir-electoral-politics-relevance/d/133217 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism