Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 16: Apni Party (AP) today announced that it will support jailed Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (Barkati) from the Beerwah Assembly constituency and assist his children in strengthening their campaign.
Speaking to reporters, party chief Altaf Bukhari said that the decision had been made, and all supporters and office bearers have been directed to back Barkati in Beerwah.
The AP senior leader Ghulam Hassan Mir stated that the party would reinforce Barkati’s election campaign, currently led by his children, to ensure his entry into mainstream politics.
“We have not fielded any candidate from Beerwah. His son and daughter are just children, and we will ensure their campaign is strengthened. We are supporting Barkati to help him win and contribute to the progress and development of J&K,” Mir said.
He also remarked that the National Conference (NC) is not the sole “spokesperson” of democracy and that people who previously supported poll boycotts should not unsettle the NC by joining the electoral race.
“To save youth from bullets, jails, and guide them on the right path is everyone’s responsibility. Why should this concern the NC? Is it only about them and no one else?” he added.
Mir further stated that in 1987, dissenting voices from Kashmir wanted to participate in elections, but the then Government-Congress and NC-rigged the process.
“This act delegitimized the election process for many. Some resorted to arms, while others stayed away. However, it seems this has now changed as even those who didn’t trust the process and once boycotted elections, including JeI and several independents, are now participating,” he noted.
It is worth noting that Barkati’s daughter, Sugra, had previously sought support from Engineer Rashid’s AIP, requesting to file papers from Langate as well. However, she allegedly did not receive any response from the party.
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