Srinagar, Sep 18(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR against unidentified National Conference workers following an alleged attack on Sugra Barkati and her supporters in the Beerwah area of Budgam.
The FIR, numbered 109/2024, cites Sections 126(2) and 351(2) of BNS.
Sugra Barkati, daughter of jailed leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, reported that her supporters were assaulted and campaign vehicles vandalized during an event on Tuesday evening. She is running as an independent candidate in the Ganderbal and Beerwah assembly segments, with her daughter spearheading the campaign.
A viral video showing Sugra fainting has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders, prompting calls for an investigation.
Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone expressed deep shock and condemnation over the reported attack on Surga Barkati, the young daughter of Sarjan Barkati.
Lone described the incident as a reminder of past violence and intimidation tactics allegedly used by National Conference (NC) supporters against political opponents.
Lone criticized the attack, noting that both Surga’s parents have been detained under stringent laws. He condemned the act as a new low, emphasizing that targeting a minor in such a manner is "utterly shameful.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"
"I am deeply shocked, though sadly not surprised, by the news of NC goons attacking an innocent young girl, Surga Barkati, the daughter of Sarjan Barkati. Both her parents have been arrested under draconian laws. This assault is a stark reminder of the old days when NC goons would resort to violence and intimidation against political opponents. The fact that they would stoop so low as to target a minor, the daughter of incarcerated parents , is utterly shameful. I strongly condemn this despicable act," Sajad Lone said in a post on 'X'.
Apni Party president, Altaf Bukhari has expressed deep concern over the alleged attack on Sugra Barkati, the daughter of jailed cleric Sarjan Barkati, while she was campaigning for her father, an independent candidate contesting from Beerwah in the upcoming assembly elections.
In a strongly worded statement, Bukhari said, “It’s deeply distressing to hear that Sugra Barkati was attacked by goons while she was bravely leading her father’s campaign. With both of her parents imprisoned, this courageous young woman has taken on the responsibility of advocating for her father’s electoral bid.” He added that those responsible for this act, as well as those behind them, “must be held accountable and face public disgrace.”(KNS).