Jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay is set to challenge former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah in the forthcoming Assembly elections from the Ganderbal constituency. Wagay, who has filed his nomination from both the Ganderbal and Beerwah constituencies, is currently incarcerated.
Omar Abdullah has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government are deliberately positioning the jailed separatist leader against him to undermine his chances of winning. “It’s clear they want to defeat me in these elections,” Abdullah stated.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Abdullah suffered a loss to Engineer Rashid, who is also imprisoned in Delhi’s Tihar jail on terror funding charges.
Allegations of political targeting
Speaking about Wagay’s candidacy, Abdullah expressed concern over the nature of his political rivals. “Why are candidates in jail only contesting against me?” Abdullah remarked, hinting at a deliberate strategy to weaken his position.
He also reflected on his previous electoral defeat, suggesting there may have been a hidden agenda behind Engineer Rashid’s victory in the Baramulla constituency. “Initially, I saw no conspiracy in Rashid’s win, but with Wagay’s candidacy, things seem more orchestrated,” Abdullah added.
Abdullah further mentioned that some believed he might contest from Beerwah, where he won previously, but he chose to file from Budgam instead.
Wagay’s background and involvement in the 2016 unrest
Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati, emerged as a prominent figure during the 2016 unrest in Kashmir, following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Wagay became infamous for his speeches that incited young people to take up arms and encouraged suicide bombings. He repeatedly emphasized that armed struggle was the only solution, advocating for attacks on Indian symbols.
Wagay was first arrested in 2016 under the Public Safety Act and was later detained again in 2023 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). His wife is also currently imprisoned on terror funding charges.
The upcoming election in Jammu and Kashmir is anticipated to be closely watched, particularly given the high-profile contest between Abdullah and Wagay, who represents a controversial figure in the region’s separatist movement.
