Jailed cleric’s nomination rejected

Srinagar, August 28

The election authorities on Wednesday rejected the nomination of jailed cleric and pro-separatist Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, alias Sarjan Barkati, who had filed papers for contesting Assembly poll from Kashmir’s Zainapora seat.

The EC website also showed his nomination status as “rejected.” His family had filed the nomination papers on his behalf on Tuesday.

Last year, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) had arrested Barkati for his alleged involvement in “orchestrating an extensive fund-raising campaign through crowd funding”. The agency had later said that these funds were misused for money laundering and promoting radicalism.

Barkati shot to prominence during the extensive protest that erupted after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in 2016 and remained a central figure in the massive protests. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti demanded that the EC must make its reasons public for this decision. Mufti also posted a video, in which Barkati’s daughter was crying after the decision. According to activist Aadil Nazir, who was accompanying Barkati’s daughter on Tuesday, they would challenge the decision in the court.

Officials said Sarjan had failed to produce “oath certificate” and other documents by the specified time.