The Hindu : National / Elections 2004 : Villagers form human shields

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Thursday, Apr 29, 2004

National

National - Elections 2004

Villagers form human shields

Luv Puri

Wadwan

Braving the risk of terrorist attacks, political leaders campaigning in the Udhampur Parliamentary segment, are slowly reaching out to the remotest areas of the State, which for years remained inaccessible because of security reasons. This has largely been made possible by the cooperation of the locals, who are throwing up human shields to protect them.

Vast stretches of the Udhampur Parliamentary segment are hilly, and dominated by the terrorists. It is difficult, if not impossible, to provide foolproof security to politicians campaigning in remote areas. But that is changing. Take Sajjad Kichloo, a National Conference (NC) legislator from Kishtwar in the Udhampur Parliamentary segment, for instance. On his trips to Wadwan, Dachan and Marwah areas of Kishtwar, next to Ladakh, he was protected by the locals who wanted brief him on their problems.

Aijaz Khan, a tribal leader campaigning for the Congress party candidate, has a similar story to tell. Besides his regular security, he is being guarded round the clock by his loyal followers. Mr. Khan, who is a minister in the Mufti Government, is a prime target of the militants.

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