Afzal Guru Innocent, Claims JD(U)’s J&K Unit Chief

Janata Dal (United)'s (JD(U)) Jammu and Kashmir unit chief, GM Shaheen, has stirred controversy by declaring that Afzal Guru, convicted and executed for the 2001 Parliament attack, was innocent. 

Addressing a public meeting in Sopore ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Shaheen claimed that Guru was framed by a conspiracy led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police and suggested that Guru’s lack of financial resources led to his execution. 

The statement has raised eyebrows, especially since JD(U) is a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Despite its alliance with the BJP, JD(U) is taking a different approach in Jammu and Kashmir. While the BJP has maintained a tough stance against terrorism and stone-pelting incidents in the region, JD(U)'s manifesto promises to review cases of stone pelters and political prisoners, to facilitate their release to promote peace. 

Shaheen has claimed that many youths were arrested under the previous governments for monetary gain and that the party is actively working with the central government to secure their release.

JD(U) is contesting the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir independently, fielding six candidates so far, with more announcements expected. The elections, scheduled in three phases beginning on 18 September, mark JD(U)’s first attempt to enter Jammu and Kashmir's political arena. 

The party seeks to attract candidates disillusioned with other major parties and aims to establish a political base in the region.

JD(U)’s approach in Jammu and Kashmir sharply contrasts with the BJP’s electoral strategy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasised that families of terrorists and stone pelters will not be given government jobs. 

In contrast, JD(U) is engaging with local separatists and Islamic scholars, describing the engagement as an attempt to bridge the gap.