Feigned conduct of LG polls in occupied Kashmir and the ground reality

SRINAGAR: The attempts of the administration to conduct the local government (LG) elections in the occupied territory have fallen flat with deserted polling stations as Kashmiris have boycotted the polls.

On the call of Hurriyat leaders, a shutter down strike is being observed in the occupied Kashmir against the conduct of so called local government elections in the region. Nevertheless, the draconian Indian administration has imposed curfew in several parts of the valley.

In order to cloud the ground reality of the feigned elections, the cellular and internet services have also been suspended in the areas.

The frightful administration has house arrested Hurriyat leaders in a bid to stop demonstrations. Syed Ali Gilani, Mir Waiz Umer Farooq, Yaseen Malik and other leaders are held captive.

Additional contingent of Indian troops have been deployed in the occupied valley.

It is pertinent to mention that Sikh community has also boycotted the local government elections.

On the other hand, Mashaal Malik, wife of Yaseen Malik, said, the polls are being conducted in the disputed valley as an excuse to justify the deployment of 0.8 million troops on the land.

“What kind of elections or democracy is this? where brutal Indian forces want to drag innocent Kashmiris on roads and setting homes on fire under the pretext of search operations,” she protested

It is worth mentioning that local body polls are being held in Indian occupied Kashmir after 13 years. In the first phase, polling will be conducted in 422 constituencies of more than 12 districts.

The final counting of total votes cast during all four phases will take place on October 20.