Jailed separatist cleric Barkati eyes Ganderbal fight with Omar

SRINAGAR: Imprisoned cleric Sarjan Ahmad Barkati, known as the "Kashmiri Pied Piper" for his separatist slogans, has expressed his intention to contest against National Conference vice president and former CM Omar Abdullah in Ganderbal constituency in central Kashmir for the second phase of polling in the assembly elections on Sept 25. Omar filed his nomination papers on Wednesday and requested Ganderbal's voters to ensure his victory.

Barkati had earlier filed nomination as an independent candidate for Zainapora in Kashmir's Shopian district, but his candidature was rejected on Aug 28 due to his failure to submit a signed oath of affirmation swearing allegiance to the Constitution.

Jailed in Srinagar since Aug 2023 on charges related to anti-national activities, including his alleged role in organising stone-throwing protests in 2016 following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, the cleric remains a controversial figure. His wife was also arrested in Nov 2023 in a terrorism-funding case.

Barkati's nephew Rehbar Ahmad confirmed Wednesday that the family has decided to file his nomination papers for Ganderbal - widely regarded as an NC stronghold, having elected three generations of the Abdullah family.

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti's PDP has nominated Bashir Ahmad Mir to contest from Ganderbal.


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