The Hindu : Poll proved commitment to democracy, say parties

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 17, 2002

Other States

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

Poll proved commitment to democracy, say parties

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI SEPT. 16. The successful completion of the first phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir under the glare of the international media and diplomats from a number of countries has once again proven India's firm commitment to democracy, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress said today.

Free and fair polls took place today despite Pakistan's best efforts to derail the process, the BJP general secretary and spokesperson, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, said. Expressing similar sentiments, the Congress spokesperson, Syed Sibtey Razi, said the people of the State deserved to be congratulated for foiling Pakistan's attempt to disrupt the elections.

Mr. Naqvi said that as against the 1996 elections in the State, there were 30 per cent more candidates, much more enthusiasm among the people — as borne out by a larger voter turnout — and despite the killing of some candidates by militants, a boycott call by some others and the spreading of general terror, the people had firmly rejected Pakistan's anti-India conspiracy.

Stating that the global campaign against terrorism could not be successfully completed unless the "terrorist producing factories in Pakistan'' were shut down and unless the world recognised that Pakistan was still the "centre for Al-Qaeda'', Mr. Naqvi said the international community "must see this truth with eyes wide open''. The problem must be tackled at its roots.

He said not only the Al-Qaeda but other terrorist organisations with similar aims were based in Pakistan. The world could ignore this only at its own risk.

Mr. Razi said what was important in these elections was not who won or lost, but the fact that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had participated in them in large numbers and given a fitting reply to Pakistan which had been belittling the poll process and dismissing it as a farce.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

EC satisfied with voter turnout

Poll proved commitment to democracy, say parties

In Bandipora, the barrel of the gun still rules

Enthusiastic response in Kupwara, Handwara

Hizbul's deadly reward

Protesters take to the streets in Kreeri