J038;K votes today, Tihar inmate in Valley poll fray

As the Valley braces for the first phase of Assembly polls tomorrow, one candidate is creating a buzz in Bandipore from the confines of his cell in the Capital8217;s Tihar Jail.

As the Valley braces for the first phase of Assembly polls tomorrow, one candidate is creating a buzz in Bandipore 8212; among the constituencies set to vote on Monday 8212; from the confines of his cell in the Capital8217;s Tihar Jail.

Mohammad Iqbal Jan, 30, was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in November 2006 for his alleged involvement in funding militant activities through hawala transactions. But he claims to have been framed, and has entered the poll fray to prove his innocence.

While his sisters campaign from door to door, Jan is making his presence felt with his letters from 8220;Cell Number 15, Ward 2, Tihar Jail 78221;. His poll agenda is simple. 8220;I want an inquiry conducted by CBI. I want to prove I am not a terrorist. I only want to clear my name. I want my status back8230; Please give me your vote and it will help me get out of this jail cell,8221; he writes.

Sixteen candidates are in the running for this North Kashmir constituency. But amidst the separatist boycott call, few have managed to make an impact.

8220;I am not a terrorist. I was framed. I have lost everything in this fabricated case. I have sufficient proof of my innocence and I need a platform to prove I am not a terrorist,8221; writes Jan.

8220;I am here only because of the short-sightedness of my neighbour. His name was also in my case. First he was shown absconding and even non-bailable warrants were issued against him, but he was never arrested. I was made a scapegoat and I am rotting in this jail cell,8221; says his letter.

While it is not clear if he is indeed innocent, many believe that Jan, a businessman, is a victim of a village feud.

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Jan8217;s letters also provide details about his arrest. The main allegation against him was that he was carrying Rs 5 lakh, which the Delhi Police claimed as proof of his involvement in hawala transactions. 8220;I had withdrawn the money from my own account CC 330 before I travelled to Delhi,8221; he claims. 8220;I had taken a loan and the bank had already provided the papers about it. In fact, my family is still paying the installments8221;.

He also thanks the people of Bandipore for the affidavit vouching his innocence. 8220;There are lots of other things that I may not be able to write. But please help me win this election. Please vote for me,8221; he writes.

8220;They Jan8217;s sisters tell us to help save their only brother. When they came to meet me, I was in tears after hearing their tragic story,8221; says Parvaiz Ahmad Bhat, a villager in Bandipore. 8220;I will vote for him. If he wins, I will feel there is some value to my vote8221;.