In a move reminiscent of jailed politician Er Rashid, whose son Abrar Rashid ran his Lok Sabha campaign from prison, Sarjan Barkati, popularly known as “Azadi Chahcha,” is preparing to run in the upcoming assembly elections from behind bars.
Barkati’s nomination has been submitted by his daughter, who is anticipated to lead the campaign on her father’s behalf. Barkati rose to prominence for his influential role in organizing major rallies and gatherings during the 2016 unrest in Kashmir, where his powerful speeches and slogans resonated widely.
On August 28 of the previous year, Barkati was detained on charges of raising and allegedly misusing funds for radical activities in Kashmir. (KNS)