People participation in DDC polls in Kashmir frustrate Pakistan sponsored terrorists
Tariq Bhat/ Zahid Yaqoob
Srinagar, Dec 23: The recently held District Development Council (DDC) polls in Jammu and Kashmir have frustrated Pakistan sponsored terrorists in Kashmir after voters exercised their right to franchise without fear in a terror hit region.
The Pakistan sponsored terrorists have been spreading terror in the minds and hearts of people in Kashmir as and when people wanted to participate in polls whether as contestants or voters.
The Pakistan sponsored terrorists kill innocent unarmed civilians and contestants to make hurdles in smooth conduct of polls and minimize the participation of the local population.
“Now, the scene is different in Kashmir. The efforts of security forces have helped the people to come up from the terror threats and express their views freely,” said Mubashir of Kakapora in south Kashmir.
Mubashir had all praise for J&K Police, saying: “The timely actions by J&K Police against terrorists and their sympathizers provided a sense of security to common people and people were free to come and vote as their own will and choice.”
A Kashmir University Professor, who wished not to be named, said that the fear of terrorists is disappearing from the minds and hearts of youngsters.
“This time, we saw a large number of youth contested polls. It doesn’t matter whether they contested polls as independents or were affiliated to some political party. What matters most is youngsters left the fear and came forward to strengthen the democracy of the country,” he added.
On 4 December, this year, terrorists attacked a district development council candidate in South Kashmir’s Kokernag area to spread terror among people. However, people defied the calls by terrorists came out to vote to elect candidates of their own choice.
The polling was held over eight phases beginning November 28 and ending on December 19 as 51.42 per cent of the 5.7 million eligible voters exercised their franchise in the elections, which were largely peaceful.
“We are thankful to J&K Police, other security forces for providing us a terror free atmosphere in holding DDC polls. We especially thank Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh for taking all efforts to ensure a terror free atmosphere in Kashmir,” said a group of youth in Baramulla in north Kashmir.
