Mufti asks people not to boycott elections

Srinagar, Apr 18: After filing nomination papers for Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha Constituency seat set for polls for third phase on May 07, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti appealed to people not to boycott the elections, saying these are crucial for responding to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s actions against “dignity, identity and resources” of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters, she stressed that people must use their voting power to defeat the BJP. “I urge the people of J&K not to boycott the elections. There are attempts to encourage boycotts, particularly in South Kashmir. We must expose these conspiracies,” she said.
Mehbooba asked people to vote for the candidate whom they believe will advocate for the oppressed people. “Our land, resources, jobs are being snatched away from us and there are attempts to turn Kashmiris into bonded slaves.”
“This is our land and we wouldn’t allow its plundering at any cost. People must vote this time and vote cautiously in favour of candidates who can represent them and speak truth to power without any fear,” she said.
The PDP chief highlighted that this LS election is not merely about developmental issues like electricity, water and roads but it is about addressing the onslaught on the dignity, identity, property, and resources of the region since 2019.
She emphasized that the election transcends party lines and is about the current state of Kashmir being transformed into an open prison.
“Our resources are being stripped away and efforts are being made to turn us into bonded labourers. We will not allow this. This land and the opportunities it holds belong to us. We will not permit our identity to be eroded,” she said.
Senior PDP leader and the party’s candidate from Srinagar Parliamentary Seat Waheed-ur-Rahman Para said the silence of a graveyard has been imposed upon Kashmiris and that a common Kashmiri is feeling disenfranchised like never before.
“Mehbooba’s victory this time is not a mere party’s triumph but will be akin to according voice to a common Kashmir who has been coerced into submission at present,” he said, adding, “It is very important to have Mehbooba Mufti in the parliament. It is for Kashmir’s core identity and representation.”