Separatists in Indian Kashmir turn to mainstream politics

Jamaat-e-Islami-backed candidate Sayar Ahmed Reshi addresses an election campaign rally at Kulgam district in south Kashmir, Sept. 13, 2024. Relatives of incarcerated cleric Sarjan Barkati prepare to leave their rental accommodation as they were scheduled to address the public at the Beerwah area of Budgam district in central Kashmir, Sept. 11, 2024. Jammu and Kashmir National conference, or JKNC, candidate Tanvir Sadiq during election rally in Srinagar, Sept. 4, 2024. Peoples Democratic Party candidate Zuhaib Yousuf addressing the public gathering at Lal chowk during a rally, Srinagar, Sept. 10, 2024. Former separatist leader Syed Salim Geelani joined the mainstream political party Peoples Democratic Party, or PDP.

Several Kashmiri political figures, including former members of banned separatist groups, have abandoned long-held separatist leanings and joined mainstream Indian politics.