Bandipora, (Baramulla), September 14
This time around, elections to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are going to be different in more than just many ways. Where on the one hand, the electoral process this time is being tipped as more violent than the last one in 1996 when 75 candidates had been killed, on the other it is also witnessing a record participation of former militants.

For the first time, about 15 renegades, who have, in the past, been associated with active militant outfits in the valley, are contesting from key constituencies in Baramula, Kupwara, Srinagar, Budgam and Anantnag. Wherein the past most of the renegades had been left to politically fend for themselves, this time the ruling National Conference and other political parties are even fielding them.

As the Tribune toured the region to find if there was any healthy wave in favour of the former militants, it found that the support they drew was marginal. A survey of the area revealed that the highest number of renegades were contesting in the Bandipora Assembly constituency of Baramula district. Here out of six candidates in the fray, five have roots in militancy. Interestingly, the ruling NC has fielded a former militant of Al Jehad in Bandipora constituency. Javed Hussain Shah, NC’s candidate from Bandipora, is contesting against four former militants. Appointed a Member, Legislative Council in 1997, Javed Hussain has replaced Mohd Naz, who had won from Bandipora in the 1996 Assembly polls.

Except Mr Habibullah, who is contesting on the Congress ticket from Bandipora, the other five candidates have been associated with terrorist outfits in the past. Abdul Majid Rahi, contesting as an independent from Bandipora, was once district commander for Al Barq. Mohammad Amin, now fighting on the ticket of Kashmir Resolution Movement (KRM), had connections with the Hizbul Mujahideen. Mohd Abdullah Wani of the People’s. Democratic Party (PDP) was once district commander for Hizbul Mujahideen in Budgam district. Usman Majid, contesting on the ticket of Awami League, a party founded by Kukka Parray, the most popular leader of the Ikhwani (surrendered militant) movement, had been associated with Students’ Liberation Front.

As the ruling party and independent candidates from Bandipora get busy chalking out plans, voters are in a state of utter dejection. They openly say that they will not cast the ballot unless the Amy pulls them out. Mushtaq Khan, a tonga plier, said no candidate in the area was worthy of being trusted. Wasim Ali, Ahmad Kar and Muzirama voiced similar opinions. People did not mind saying “It is gun versus gun in Bandipora”. Even as the 70,000 voters of Bandipora remain disinterested, it is to be seen if September 16 inspires them in any way.

As of now, they don’t want to poll for “gunmen”, as they address most contesting candidates.

The following are the other renegades in the poll fray:

Awami League Chairman Kukka Parray addresses an election rally at Sumbal Sonawari in Bandipora district, Baramula. — Tribune photo Amin War

Imran Rahi: A former supreme commander of the HM is contesting as an independent from Lolab segment of Kupwara.