Custodial killing of Rizwan pushes Downtown youth not to contest upcoming polls

Srinagar: Social and political activist Asif Zargar who recently became an internet sensation because of his journey from being called “Hartal”, a stone pelter to a political activist, who eyed to contest upcoming Lok Sabha elections has decided to not to contest.

Zargar, who was mulling to lock horns with NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Srinagar parliament constituency, said Rizwan’s custodial killing has “shaken my conscience and forced me to change my decision” of contesting Lok Sabha elections.

“We had seen custodial killings before but we were wrong to think that that era of lawlessness is gone. Government of India should give peace and dialogue a space before youth like me start to participate in elections,” he added.

He said he will continue to work for the betterment of his people.

Zargar is a resident of Downtown area of Srinagar and was thinking to contest upcoming parliament and join politics to work for the people.