After Setback In J&K Polls, Sajad Lone, Jamaat-Backed JDF, And Hakim Yasin Form 'People’s Alliance For Change'

Sajad Lone’s People’s Conference, Hakim Yasin’s People’s Democratic Front, and the Jamaat-e-Islami-aligned Justice and Development Front (JDF) have formed a political alliance in Jammu and Kashmir, according to a report by the Indian Express.

The alliance, named the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC), was announced on Monday (30 June) at a press conference by Lone, who was joined by Yasin and JDF founding president Shamim Ahmad Thoker.

The alliance aims to offer a joint political platform in what Lone described as a “barren political landscape”. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have endured immense suffering and we are committed to driving change,” he said. Thoker said the alliance was essential, stating, “We cannot succeed alone… there must be unity to serve people effectively.”

Though the three parties have limited electoral success, their collaboration could influence outcomes in key constituencies. Lone’s People’s Conference won only the Handwara seat in the 2024 Assembly polls. Yasin, a former MLA from Khansahib, lost to the National Conference in 2024. JDF, backed by the Jamaat-e-Islami faction, fielded 10 candidates as Independents but failed to secure any seats.

It remains to be seen whether Jamaat cadres and sympathisers will support the alliance. Some senior Jamaat members have distanced themselves from JDF, reportedly viewing it as a “creation of intelligence agencies”, which may affect grassroots mobilisation across the Kashmir Valley, where Jamaat retains influence.