SRINAGAR: The election campaign for jailed cleric Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, known as Sarjan Barkati, has officially begun in Beerwah area of Budgam, with his daughter, Sugra Barkati, kickstarting her father’s election campaign as he contests the Ganderbal and Beerwah assembly constituencies as an independent candidate. Both her parents are currently in jail under serious charges, leaving Sugra to take charge of the campaign.
In her address, Sugra, as per the Srinagar-based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com, conveyed the emotional toll of growing up without her parents, stating, “How is life without parents? I know it. I live with only my little brother now.”
She called for public support, drawing parallels with the recent release of political leader Er Rashid, saying, “People supported Er Rashid when he was jailed, and his slogan, ‘Jail Ka Badla Vote Se’ [The revenge for jail will be through the vote], rallied the people. When he came out because of votes, I believe my father will also return home due to your votes.”
Sarjan Barkati gained prominence during the 2016 protests in Kashmir after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Initially arrested in 2016 under the Public Safety Act (PSA), he is now facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His wife is also incarcerated on terror funding charges.
Sarjan’s nominations for both Ganderbal and Beerwah have been accepted, and he will be challenging high-profile figures, including National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, in the upcoming assembly elections.
Sugra has openly criticized Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Er Rashid, accusing him of abandoning her family. In frustration, she tore her father’s nomination papers for the Langate seat, previously held by Rashid. “When Rashid was in jail, we stood by him. Now, our family is suffering, and we feel abandoned,” she said.
Rashid, recently released on interim bail after being jailed on terror funding charges, responded by saying that Sugra should have approached his party before filing the nominations. Despite this, Rashid expressed solidarity with her cause, stating, “No one understands the pain of a prisoner better than me. I will fight for the release of all prisoners, including Barkati.” (KDC)
