J&K Assembly Polls: 35 Nomination Papers Rejected, Including Jailed Separatist Sarjan Barkati's

The nomination papers of 35 candidates, including jailed separatist Sarjan Barkati, were rejected in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls. 244 candidates' papers were found valid for the 24 assembly segments. Barkati's papers were filed by his daughter. Withdrawals are accepted until August 30.

The nomination papers of 35 candidates, including jailed separatist Sarjan Barkati, were rejected during scrutiny for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. This leaves 244 contestants in the fray.

The first phase covers 24 segments in south Kashmir and the Chenab valley area of Jammu, with voting scheduled for September 18.

Scrutiny was conducted in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer. A total of 279 candidates filed papers, but only 244 were deemed valid as per Election Commission guidelines.

Sarjan Barkati, an ideologue and promoter of terrorist activities, had his papers filed by his daughter Sugra from the Zainapora constituency. He's facing charges under UAPA.

Other disqualified candidates include 13 Independents and several from various political parties. Nomination withdrawals are allowed until August 30.

In Anantnag, 67 nominations were accepted, followed by 46 in Pulwama, 34 in Doda, 29 in Kishtwar, 26 in Kulgam, 21 in Shopian, and 21 in Ramban.

Kishtwar district saw 12 valid nominations in Inderwal AC, 10 in Kishtwar AC, and seven in Padder-Nagseni AC.

Doda district had 14 valid nominations in Bhadarwah AC, 11 in Doda AC, and nine in Doda West AC.

Ramban district accepted 12 nomination papers in Ramban AC and nine in Banihal AC. In Pulwama, 14 nominations were accepted in Pampore AC, 10 in Tral AC, 12 in Pulwama AC, and 10 in Rajpora AC.

In Shopian district, 10 nominations were valid in Zainapora AC and 11 in Shopian AC. Kulgam district accepted nominations of six candidates in DH Pora AC, 10 in Kulgam AC, and 10 in Devsar AC.

Lastly, Anantnag district accepted 12 nominations in Dooru AC, 10 in Kokernag (ST) AC, 10 in Anantnag West AC, 13 each in Anantnag AC and Shangus-Anantnag East AC, three in Srigufwara-Bijbehara AC, and six in Pahalgam AC.