SRINAGAR, February 9: The entry of Muzzaffar Beig, a reputed advocate and a formidable politician of yesteryears, has posed a serious challenge to Saifuddin Soz, Union Minister of Environment, who is contesting from home turf in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in north Kashmir.Beig, a former associate of the now separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone, today announced his expected candidature as an independent. Denying reports of Hurriyat backup of his candidature, Beig said he enjoyed the support of the grass-root cadre of the All Party Hurriyat Conference, which is calling for a boycott of the elections.
Muzzaffar Beig, who had a roaring legal practice, said he would challenge the National Conference (NC) to come clean on the elections. ``This time, the people of the state will not take attempts of rigging lying low.'' Beig had contested Lok Sabha elections as a People's conference candidate in the 1987 elections.
Announcing his agenda, Beig said he would ``begin a movement for peace and development inKashmir after the dark era of militancy and feudal politics.'' Claiming a ``realistic approach'' on the Kashmir issue, Beig said he would strive for mobilising public opinion for a peaceful solution to Kashmir among the Indian people.
Criticising Hurriyat leaders, he said, ``their non-participation in Constitutionally-created institutions will only exacerbate things in Kashmir.'' He lashed out at Farooq Abdullah for ``his anti-people approach and surviving by playing the role of a sycophant before the central government.''
Beig's presence has enlivened the contest in Baramulla where he is likely to emerge as a candidate supported by all the anti-NC forces. Sources said a section of the Hurriyat was also in his favour and there were indications that the separatist conglomerate will direct its cadres to help Beig.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
