Forged pre-poll alliance with ex-Jama’at candidates: AIP

Srinagar, Sep 15: The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and former members of the banned Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) have come together in a strategic alliance to “champion the cause of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.

In a joint meeting held today, the AIP delegation was led by AIP chief and Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, AIP chief spokesman Inam-un-Nabi while the banned JeI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani.

“Prominent former JeI members were also present in the discussions,” an AIP spokesman said.

He said that at the core of the meeting was the current political situation in J&K, with both sides emphasising the need to work together in the larger interest of the region’s population.

“Following comprehensive deliberations, it was agreed that AIP will support banned JeI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama, and similarly the JeI-backed candidates will throw their support behind AIP candidates across Kashmir,” the spokesman said.

He said that in areas where both AIP and banned 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 would be extended to ensure a unified approach to the elections,” the AIP spokesman said.

He said that both parties underscored the importance of unity in resolving the Kashmir issue and promoting a lasting and dignified peace in the region.

The spokesman said that they highlighted the rapidly evolving political landscape, both regionally and internationally, and stressed that neither the banned JeI nor AIP can afford to remain passive observers.

He said that the leadership of both AIP and members of banned JeI called upon their cadres to spread the message of support for each other’s candidates, in line with the agreement.

The spokesman said that the goal was to secure a resounding victory for AIP and ex-JeI candidates, ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strong representatives who can articulate their sentiments and aspirations.

“This collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving a united front in the pursuit of peace, justice, and political empowerment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.