Srinagar, May 03: Munir Khan, the brother of jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan, on Friday filed his nomination papers from 01-Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency which is slated for the fifth phase of elections on May 20.
Talking to reporters after filing his nomination form, Khan said he will focus on education, economy and employment if voted to power.
Stating that “mistakes” happened in the past, especially among youths involved in activities like militancy and stone-pelting, he said there is a need to integrate them into mainstream society for progress.
“We all have made mistakes in the past. Many FIRs have been filed against our youth, who have been labelled as stone-pelters and former militants. It’s not just a small group involved; there are thousands of people associated with these actions,” he said. “Unless we tackle this fundamental issue, how can we discuss development or the concept of a ‘New’ Kashmir? Progress cannot be achieved without integrating these individuals, particularly the youth, into mainstream society.”
About the difference between separatist and mainstream politics, Khan said there is a need to prioritise national interests over labels. “The world is changing, India is changing and we too have to make a change, a shift towards prosperity in Kashmir,” he remarked.
When asked whether he will ask his brother to join the mainstream, Munir said his ideology remains his own.
Nayeem Khan was arrested in 2017 in connection with a terror-related case as he led the Jammu Kashmir National Front, which is now banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Munir Khan, leader of the recently established Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front Party, submitted his nomination papers to Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa, who serves as the returning officer for the constituency.
Jammu and Kashmir Former chief minister and National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, People’s Conference president Sajad Lone, PDP leader Mir Fayaz, and former MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid who is currently incarcerated have also filed nominations from Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency. A total of 38 candidates have filed nomination forms in the Baramulla parliamentary constituency. The polling is scheduled to take place on May 20.
