SRINAGAR: In a rare display of unity among political parties, a Jamaat-e-Islami-backed independent candidate and an Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) candidate addressed a massive gathering together at Gulshan Chowk in Bandipora, claiming that both candidates share “similar ideologies.”
As large crowd gathered at Gulshan Chowk in Bandipora to hear from the candidates. The event began with Hafiz Mohammad Sikander Malik, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-backed candidate, and Pennel spokesperson Shameem Ahmad Thoker addressing the people.
The spokesperson of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, Shameem Ahmad Thoker addressed the gathering, stating that they had formed a coalition with the AIP in South Kashmir. “We have unity and respect for one another. He (Engineer Rashid) is raising the same issues what we are raising,” he said.
“Provide us with a roadmap for how you (Engineer Rashid) will address the issues facing the common people. We will fully support you in Bandipora,” he stated.
“Even if the NC and PDP genuinely address the sufferings of the people of J&K, we will support them. We have no rivalry with anyone who speaks out for the common people. We have spent years in jail, endured injuries, and lost loved ones for the sake of the people of J&K,” he added.
During his address, Hafiz Mohammad Sikander Malik urged the people of his constituency to vote for him, saying, “Give me a chance to serve our community. I will never make false promises or deceive you. Having spent years in jail, I understand the pain of mothers whose sons are incarcerated.”
Shortly thereafter, AIP chief Engineer Rashid arrived and also spoke to the gathering.
Later, during his address, Rashid stated that he would soon return to Tihar Jail, but only after giving the PDP and JKNC leaders sleepless nights for deceiving the people of J&K. “After the Assembly polls, there will be 15 to 20 Engineer Rashids in Kashmir, advocating for the common people’s suffering and fighting against the BJP’s harassment,” he added.
Targeting Omar, he said, “Omar claims I came out of jail only to divide votes, but I want to remind him that there was no consistency in the Lok Sabha polls, where he lost to me.”—(KNO)