In the bustling streets of Sopore, three individuals campaign tirelessly for independent candidate Shoaib Sheikh, yet their efforts largely go unnoticed by passersby.
As they hold up banners and plead for support, the daily hustle and bustle of the market seems indifferent to their cause, highlighting the isolation they feel in their quest for their father’s release.
Shoaib Sheikh, currently incarcerated under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for alleged involvement in militancy-related activities, is vying for a seat in the Jammu Kashmir assembly elections from Sopore.
His family is determined to make his voice heard in a political landscape that often overlooks their plight. The town will head to the polls during the third and final phase of the assembly elections on October 1.
Amidst the increasing political activity in the region, including the notable participation of Engineer Rashid, who recently emerged from incarceration to contest elections, and Sarjan Barkati, who is contesting for two seats and has garnered significant support in Beerwah, Shoaib’s daughters express their frustration over the community’s lack of support.
“It’s as if we’re invisible,” one daughter told The Kashmiriyat, her voice heavy with emotion. “We’re just three people trying to raise awareness for our father, and hardly anyone seems to care.”
With their elderly father, Mohammed Hanif, joining them in their campaign efforts, they take to the streets daily, distributing flyers and sharing their father’s story with anyone who will listen.
Shoaib, a pharmacy graduate who ran a sanitary shop in Sopore before his arrest, has long been an active social worker known for his dedication to community welfare.
The police allege he was involved with the banned Al-Badr outfit, labeling him a staunch Over Ground Worker (OGW) who provided logistical support to militants, a claim denied by the family.
Their campaign is a labor of love, driven by the hope that Shoaib’s potential candidacy could pave the way for his release. The family’s struggle is compounded by financial difficulties that prevent them from visiting Shoaib in Udhampur jail.
“We can’t even afford the bus fare to see him, let alone fund a proper campaign,” another daughter adds, highlighting the harsh realities they face.
As they traverse the streets of Sopore, the trio clings to their belief that Shoaib, who has always prioritised the needs of others, deserves the opportunity to represent his people in the assembly.
“If he could speak for us, he would advocate for justice and welfare,” his father, Mohammed Hanif, asserted passionately in conversation with The Kashmiriyat.
The campaign, despite its challenges, embodies the family’s resilience and determination.
With each passing day, they remain hopeful that their efforts will inspire others to rally around their cause before the campaign closes, bringing attention not only to Shoaib’s imprisonment, and also the broader issues of justice and representation in Jammu Kashmir.
“We are merely fighting this election to see him out of the jail,”said his father.