Lones’ sister may contest J&K poll

Shabnam Lone, daughter of the late Abdul Ghani Lone, is likely to defy the boycott call issued among others by her brothers Sajjad Lone and Bilal Lone, and contest Assembly elections, reports Arun Joshi.

Shabnam Lone, daughter of the late Abdul Ghani Lone who founded the separatist group Peoples’ Conference, is likely to defy the boycott call issued among others by her brothers Sajjad Lone and Bilal Lone, and contest assembly elections.

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“I’m thinking about it,” Shabnam told HT. On Wednesday, she got a nomination form from Kupwara’s returning officer. “Yes, I have a form,” she said, adding that the troubles of the people of Kupwara had made the decision for her.

“I don’t know whether this election is going to be by a selection or an election in which people would be really elected,” she said, refusing to take any question on the poll boycott call.

A lawyer, Shabnam said her father’s supporters were pressuring her to contest. “Today also 3,000-4,000 people have gathered to prevail upon me to contest the polls.”

The first phase of polling will be held on November 17, while and the seventh and final will take place on December 24.