Hurriyat red-faced over anti-azadi vote
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 5:11 am Under India News 57 views
A day after the ballot has triumphed over the bullet and a huge turnout was witnessed in the Jammu and Kashmir valley during the first phase of elections - mainstream political leaders have welcomed the vote against the ‘Azadi’ slogan.
The high turnout of voters assumes significance since it came despite a boycott threat issued by Kashmiri Separatists. Speaking to TIMES NOW - National Conference’s Chief ministerial candidate Dr Farooq Abdullah has said that the voters have shown that they want change. On the other hand the separatists are red faced after seeing the voter turnout and are dismissing the path voters in the valley have taken.
National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah, the Chief Ministerial Candidate said that the high turnout shows that people in the valley want a return to democracy. He said, “Democracy is taking its roots. People want change and a government that will do their work.” Expressing worry about the weather in the reagion he said, “People have come out and voted that’s a good thing but lets not go beyond that as this is the first phase there are many stages to go through.”
(Click here to listen to Farooq Abdullah)
But the separatists are trying to look for reasons and are saying that it is too early to say that the turnout is an indication of how the valley is reacting considering it’s just the first phase. The Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Ghani Lone said, “1st of all there are 3 constituencies in the Kashmir valley that have gone to polls, there are 7 phases so we have to wait for the whole process. I don’t think that anybody needs to get excited that this is particularly a vote for India.
He also added, “The turnout has taken in the context of a very brutal regime. Most of the separatist leaders are under arrest. I am personally under house arrest for the last 13 or 14 days but even then lets wait for the full 7 phases then we can discuss.”
Citing example from the past he said, “There had a been a turnout in the years 1977, 1983 and 1987 also if this was a hint then what we have seen in the last 20 years –post 1989 should not have happened at all. So creating a link between the turnouts and resolving these issues would be very dangerous.”
(Click here to listen to Sajjad Ghani Lone )
At the Centre - the Congress has hailed the turnout as a big blow to the separatists and their agenda. Congress spokesman, Kapil Sibal very confidently said, “Without a doubt it is a big blow for the separatists in J and K. In the cold weather of 3 degrees in such difficult conditions 64 percent of the electorate in some places to come out and vote. This gives us a lot of solace that democracy has taken root in India. Even in the most difficult of circumstances people want to express themselves through the ballot. The message that goes out to the separatists is that the only way of being in the mainstream is to take part in politics and let the people decide for themselves.”
(Click here to listen to Kapil Sibal )
10 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir went to the polls on Monday (Nov 17). Polling began slowly due to the chilly winds sweeping the region but picked up as the day got warmer. Higher turnout was witnessed in Jammu region’s Mendhar, Poonch and Surankot and Ladakh’s Nobra, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar.
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by APakistanNews.Com.)
|
Loading ...
India News top stories
-
Mumbai Gunmen Were Commanded by Phone
- This Category's RSS Feed
NEW DELHI: “We have three foreigners, including women,” the gunman said into the phone.... Read more »
Terror threat forces Chennai lockdownExtra security cover has been rushed to Chennai in view of the terror threat to the Pravasi... Read more »
Truckers strike enters fourth dayThe nation-wide transporters strike entered the fourth day on Thursday (January with both... Read more »
Charges against Monserratte may be droppedGoa police are likely to drop charges against State Education minister Atanasio Monserratte... Read more »
Amarnath shrine board reconstituted with new facesJammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra on Wednesday (January 7) reconstituted the Shri Amarnathji... Read more »
Something to say about this news story?
Headlines from India News
- Mumbai Gunmen Were Commanded by Phone
- Singh’s Remarks to Whip up Tension: PM Gilani
- Two killed in gas explosion in Rawalpindi
- Iraq shoe thrower trial postponed
- Building Collapses in Rawalpindi
- Strauss appointed England captain after Pietersen resigns
- Night Bombing By Israel On Gaza
- Siddle has cemented his place in Oz side: McGrath
- Smith may have put recovery plan in danger: Doctor
- Bhutia misses out on Abu Dhabi soccer award
Featured Video News
Advertisement
Advertisement
Email Subscription
