Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari Sunday expressed serious concern over arrest spree of party workers and agents ahead of polling, and termed it a blatant attempt to manipulate elections.
He appealed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene into the matter and pave way for free and fair elections so that democracy will flourish in the region.
Speaking to media persons here in Srinagar, Bukhari as per Kashmir News Service (KNS) accused National Conference and PDP for having hand in glove with the administration and harassing workers and agents of rival political parties. He said NC and PDP have deep connections in the administration who on the behest of influential officials are curtailing the level play field to other parties.
“The police have arrested our thousands of workers in various parts of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama and Shopian. This ongoing arrest spree seemingly have been made at the behest of parties like NC and PDP who are the cronies of the powers in New Delhi,” Bukhari told reporters.
He appealed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to intervene into the matter and stop the ongoing arrest spree beside ensure early release of arrested workers and agents.
Earlier party General Secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir in a statement cautioned that if the party workers are not released immediately, the Apni Party may choose to boycott the elections. He said, “The democratic process should be free and fair. The arrest of party workers mere hours before the polls suggests a blatant attempt to manipulate and rig the elections against the Apni Party. We will not tolerate this injustice, and go to boycott the polls.” (KNS)
