Scrutiny of nomination papers for the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has been completed. Many nominations were rejected as they were not found valid. One name in this is Maulana Sarjan Barkati. Many leaders of the valley created a lot of ruckus over the cancellation of nomination of Barkati, popularly known as Azadi Chacha. The argument was that when Engineer Rashid, who is in jail on the charge of terror funding, got a chance to contest the election, then why was Barkati stopped?
Assembly elections are going to be held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. Currently, voting will be held there in three phases from September to early October. After a long time, due to the elections, the impact of the political atmosphere there is being heard till Delhi.
This leader’s nomination was rejected
Meanwhile, many separatist leaders are also in the fray. One of these names is Maulvi Sarjan Barkati. Barkati is in jail on charges of creating an anti-national atmosphere and terror funding in the valley. His family filed his nomination, which was immediately cancelled.
The case started being compared to Kashmir’s separatist leader Engineer Rashid alias Abdul Rashid. Rashid, who has been an MLA from North Kashmir twice, has been serving a sentence in Tihar Jail for the last five years under the charge of UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act). Rashid’s family filed his nomination and also campaigned for the election while he was in jail, in which they also got success.
On the same lines, Barkati’s family also filed his nomination for the assembly. This person was the biggest name in the protests of 2016. Let us remind you that after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, there were many protests in the valley, especially in Shopian and Kulgam, which lasted for about three months. During this time, Barkati was at the forefront. The leader who promoted separatist thinking in Kashmir is also called Azadi Chacha by the people there because of his unique style and slogans on separatism.
About a year ago, Barkati was jailed for several anti-national activities including terror funding. Even before this, Kashmir Police had registered 30 cases against him in connection with rallies in 2016. He was arrested several times but he kept getting released.
Many other people were also rejected
Sarjan Barkati’s nomination was filed by his daughter on Tuesday. She also sought support for her father from the people of Shopian. But within a day the Election Commission cancelled the nomination. It should be noted here that many separatist leaders have already received the approval of the Election Commission. At the same time, about 35 nominations including Barkati’s were rejected. Many of them have been charged with serious charges like inciting riots and being in cahoots with anti-national forces.
Former CM expressed objection
As soon as Barkati withdrew from the election race, there was a ruckus in the valley. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti asked the Election Commission to tell everyone the reason for cancelling the nomination. Mufti wrote on Instagram that she was saddened to hear that Sarjan Barkati’s assembly nomination form has been rejected. The Election Commissioner should make the reason for this decision public.
What does the Election Commission say?
Meanwhile, the Election Commission issued a statement on Wednesday saying that Barkati’s nomination was rejected because he failed to submit the affidavit. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019, a person who wishes to contest elections while serving a jail sentence has to submit an affidavit or affidavit with the signature of the Superintendent of Central Jail Srinagar. Barkati was also given time for this but he could not fulfill the requirement within the stipulated time.
Affidavit required for everyone
Every kind of candidate has to file an affidavit. It is a part of the nomination process, which is a kind of legal document. It is called Form 26. In this, the candidate has to give information about things like relationship, property, liabilities, education etc. Also, if there is any criminal record, then that too has to be cleared. No column of the affidavit should be left blank. If the information sought in any column is not applicable, then zero or not applicable has to be written there.
If the candidate gives any wrong information or does not give any information then the nomination can also be rejected. This comes under the Representation of People’s Act.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)