First Phase of Elections in Kashmir Monday

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 16: Amidst heavy security apparatus, the first phase of elections will be held in Kashmir on Monday.

"Tens of thousands of police, para-military and army personnel have been deployed in Kashmir to ensure free and fair polls," an official said.

The separatists have asked people to stay away from the poll process. They have appealed to the masses to boycott the elections. "Elections cannot be a substitute to the right to self determination," said senior Kashmiri leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while asking people to stay away from the polls.

The government officials and political observers are of the opinion that the boycott call given by the separatists could hit turnout in Kashmir. "There has been no enthusiasm about the elections among the people, who stayed away from the pro-Indian political parties. The pro-Indian parties have not organised a single election rally in Kashmir and this proves the mood is not in favour of elections in Kashmir," they said.

The separatist leaders have called for a march to Bandipora and Sonawari in North Kashmir on Monday to protest against the poll process. Authorities, however, have maintained that they won't allow the separatists to stage marches.

"Section 144 is in force in Kashmir and will be strictly enforced on Monday. No person would be allowed to march towards North Kashmir," a senior police official said.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.

   _   _