LS Polls: Sajad Lone files nomination, vows to be North Kashmir’s voice

Says hands of NC filled with blood of Kashmiris

Srinagar, May 1: As the high-stakes battle for north Kashmir’s Baramulla Parliamentary constituency intensifies, at least ten candidates, including some heavyweights, have filed their nomination papers so far. On Wednesday, Sajad Gani Lone, a prominent leader supported by various parties under the People’s Conference (PC) banner, joined the electoral race by submitting his nomination.

Lone, whose entry has added a new dynamic to the contest, was among six candidates who filed their papers on Wednesday. Apart from Lone, another PC candidate, Imran Raza Ansari, has also thrown his hat into the ring from the crucial constituency. The fray also includes two independent candidates, further intensifying the multi-cornered fight.
With several candidates across party lines already in the fray, the stage is set for a fierce battle as heavyweights like Lone aim to resonate the voice of the region at the national level. As the campaign gathers momentum, political watchers expect the discourse to heat up further in the coming days.
While addressing the media persons, Lone said that for the last 10 Lok Sabha elections, the MPs from only one party have been elected for the parliament. “I believe, it is the crucial election at this juncture and in case we are voted to power, I assure you that the voices of people from north Kashmir will resonate across the Parliament,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that the campaigning was stopped for two days due to the floods in many areas.
While replying to a query, he said that “I have seen everything that the majority of Kashmiris have seen. I have seen tortures and other things, but let the National Conference (NC) come clear about the killings, tortures and other things. From 1996-2002, at least 7000 civilians were killed while in Omar Abdullah’s tenure, we have seen 2010. Their hands are filled with the blood of people,” he said.
Furthermore, he added that if INDI Alliance candidates openly claim that they will bring back Article 370 and autonomy, he will withdraw his form from the seat.
Pertinently, six candidates filed their nomination papers today at the office of the Returning Officer (RO), 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Minga Sherpa.
Besides Lone and Ansari, Suhail Ahmad Khan, an Independent Candidate filed his nomination papers before the RO for 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
Similarly, Peerzada Mudasir Rashid Shah from Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party (BHIM), Nazir Ahmad Sofi, Independent Candidate, and Mushtaq Ahmad Mir from National Loktantrik Party submitted their nomination papers at the office of the RO, 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
With filling of six nominations today, the total number of candidates who have filed their candidature for 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency goes to ten, as four candidates have already filed their nominations papers.