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Sarjan Ahmad Wagay
Jailed Kashmiri cleric Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, commonly known as Sarjan Barkati, has submitted his nomination papers for two constituencies — Ganderbal and Beerwah. His nomination for the Zainpora seat was rejected due to the absence of a required oath certificate, which must be properly signed by jail authorities.
Barkati gained prominence during the 2016 protest rallies in Shopian and Kulgam following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. He was first arrested that same year under the Public Safety Act and was re-arrested last year, facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to a chargesheet filed this year, Barkati, along with others, is accused of conspiring to promote secessionist ideologies through his inflammatory speeches. “Through such audio-video inflammatory speeches, he (Barkati) has incited, instigated and provoked youth to join the terrorist ranks,” the chargesheet read.
The Ganderbal constituency is historically considered a stronghold of the Abdullah family, with three generations — Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah, and Omar Abdullah — having contested from this seat. This time, the National Conference has nominated Omar, who last won the seat in 2008. The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by Independent MP Engineer Rashid, has put forward former Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) president Sheikh Ashiq, while the PDP has nominated Bashir Ahmad Mir.