Independent candidate and former former Jamaat-e-Islami member Talat Majid Alie has said that he thought of joining militancy when he was in 8th standard but eventually realised that violence is not a solution.
Majid is an independent candidate contesting the Jammu and Kashmir elections from Pulwama. He is backed by the banned religious-political organisation Jamaat-e-Islami.
Speaking to ANI before the first phase of polling, Majid recalled the time when militancy was at its peak in the Valley.
"There was no particular organisation or sect involved ... in militancy. Everyone was involved. I was in 8th standard when I thought of picking up a gun ... In 2008, I started understanding politics ...I realised that gun was not the solution to our issues," he said.
When asked what prompted him to consider picking up a gun or stones, he said: "There wasn't a single incident ... in societies there are phases when these things happen ... but gradually circumstances teach people."
Majid admitted that the security situation has improved in the Valley in recent years but added that it is not due to the abrogation of Article 370.
"I don't link the change in J&K's situation to that [abrogation] ... it has changed due to law and order. Politically, things have not evolved much. There is still no political stability in J&K. But we will never leave the path of Jamhuriyat (democracy). We will bring political stability through that route only ... no matter whatever is snatched from us," he said.
Speaking about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandit and their rehabilitation, he said that "reconciliation is the only way in a conflicted society", adding that it acts like a balm.
Earlier today, Majid cast his vote in the first phase of the Jammu & Kashmir polls. Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot, he reiterated that he wants to resolve the issues of the people through democratic ways.
"I have cast my vote today... We want to resolve all our issues in a democratic way. Whatever has been taken away from us, the only way to get it back is through democratic ways. I appeal to the people to participate in the democratic process," he said.
Majid's entry into the electoral fray spiced up the contest in Pulwama, which went to polls in the first phase.
Three-time MLA Mohammad Khalil Bandh and PDP youth president Waheed Para are among the 12 candidates vying to represent the seat that was once a hotbed of militancy.
Majid is a PhD holder in Soil Sciences. He was a Rukn-e-Jamaat (member of Jamaat) when the party was banned by the Centre in February 2019 for propagating separatism.
Alie had joined Apni Party founded by businessman-turned-politician Altaf Bukhari last year but is contesting the polls as an Independent candidate.
(With inputs from agencies)
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