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Former Indian Administrative Service officer Shah Faesal, from Jammu and Kashmir, who quit the service recently, has reportedly shared his future plans. He said that he would not join any mainstream political parties ‘as of now’, or separatist Hurriyat Conference, but would be happy to contest the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The 2010-batch officer said he was deeply inspired by the style of politics of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, but the ‘situation’ in Jammu and Kashmir would not allow him to pursue politics their style.
“As of now, I do not have any plans to join any existing mainstream political party. I plan to go to the field, listen to the ground, to the youngsters and important stakeholders and then take a decision,” he told reporters in Srinagar.
“I am deeply inspired by Imran Khan and Arvind Kejriwal. But, we know we are operating in a conflict zone and it is not very easy for us to work in that space, a space which has lost legitimacy in last few years.
“I wish if the youngsters of the state give me that kind of opportunity, I will be happy to do a retake of Imran Khan and Kejriwal,” Faesal added.
He said he would be holding consultations with all stakeholders including political parties before taking the next step. “In Kashmir, we need to come together. We are in a crisis situation. It is not time to do politics on the graves of the people.”
Asked if he would be contesting the elections, Faesal said, “I will be happy to contest the upcoming elections. In fact, I believe parliament and legislature are important space and we need well-meaning and right people there.”
