Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) Supremo and parliamentarian Sheikh Abdul Rashid Sunday sprang a surprise by allying with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) ahead of the first round of polling on September 18.

The alliance was announced by Engineer Rashid during a rally in the Tral area of South Kashmir.

According to the agreement reached between the two,  AIP would support banned JeI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama, and similarly, JeI will throw its support behind AIP candidates across Kashmir. 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.

Before making the formal announcement thorough deliberations were held between the two groups.

AIP was represented in the joint meeting by Member of Parliament Er Rashid, and AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, while the banned JeI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. Prominent former JeI members were also present in the discussions, AIP spokesperson said.

 Under the terms of the alliance, in other constituencies, mutual support will be extended to ensure a unified approach to the elections, AIP spokesperson said.

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