Detenue to contest on NPP ticket from Bandipora

Srinagar, Nov 2 (UNI) A detenue in Tihar jail Mohammad Iqbal Jan will contest ensuing Assembly elections on a National Panthers Party (NPP) ticket from Bandipora assembly segment going to the polls on November 17 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jan has filed his nomination papers through his representative for Bandipora constituency after his name was cleared by the NPP president Prof Bhim Singh.

However, during scrutiny yesterday, the returning officer of the Bandipora constituency referred his papers to State Chief Electoral Officer (SCEO).

Mr Singh strongly criticised the decision of the returning officer to refer the papers to SCEO.

''It was absolutely illegal and unknown to the Electoral laws, Mr Singh told a news conference here.

He demanded immediate intervention of the Chief Election Commission in the matter.

Jan is facing detention for his alleged links with separatists.

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