Elections Controversy: 23 Candidates' Nomination Papers Rejected in Jammu & Kashmir

Jailed separatist Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, known as Barkati, was among 23 candidates whose nomination papers for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections were rejected. Also rejected were the papers filed by his daughter, Sugra. Barkati's controversial background includes arrests under the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Jailed separatist Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, commonly known as Barkati, alongside 22 other candidates, faced rejection of their nomination papers for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections during scrutiny on Wednesday.

Barkati's daughter, Sugra, had submitted his nomination papers from the Zainapora assembly segment in Shopian district, which were subsequently dismissed.

Barkati, who rose to prominence during the 2016 unrest following Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's death, has been detained multiple times and is currently facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Authorities accuse him of conspiring to promote terrorist ideologies through inflammatory speeches.

The scrutiny also saw nominations of candidates from 16 segments rejected, including four in the Zainapora seat and additional rejections across Shopian, Anantnag West, Tral, among others.