Sakina Itoo hails banned JeI leaders’ decision to contest elections

Kulgam, Aug 26: Terming the decision of some of the leaders of banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) decision to participate in poll process as an encouraging step, senior National Conference leader Sakina Itoo and Assembly candidate from the Damhal Hanjipora constituency on Monday said that government should lift the ban on the outfit so that they could be the part of democratic process.

“There used to be boycott calls, asking people to stay away from voting and today if they (Jamaat) are taking part in elections it is an encouraging step,” she told reporters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

The leaders proscribed organisation had expressed its willingness to participate in the electoral process during the Lok Sabha polls in case the government lifted the ban on them. However, last week, the UAPA tribunal upheld the ban on the organisation. The Jamaat reportedly decided to field independent candidates from some constituencies in south Kashmir.

Itoo said that there is a growing enthusiasm among the people as there have not been any assembly elections for the last 10 years and people were eagerly waiting for the opportunity to vote.

“People were eager to choose their representative who could address their concerns. They participated in large numbers in the Lok Sabha elections, driven by frustration over the past ten years, during which the issues like water, electricity, and unemployment went unresolved”, she said.

Itoo appealed to the electorate to cast their ballot and choose right representative.