Kashmiri parties to oppose EC move to allow voting rights to ‘outsiders’

After the Election Commission allowed voting rights to ‘outsiders’ living in Jammu and Kashmir, the local political parties have criticized the decision with former chief minister Mahbooba Mufti giving a unity appeal to save the erstwhile state. On the other hand, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah called the move a ‘dangerous attempt’ to influence elections. The police body has added at least 25 lakh new voters for the next elections.

Jammu and Kashmir has been without an elected government for more than four years. Elections are expected next year.

A special revision of the electoral rolls will allow non-locals to register as voters in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since the Centre scrapped its special status under Article 370 in 2019, changing the constitution to allow non-Kashmiris to vote and own land there, according to an NDTV report.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer Hirdesh Kumar said that more than 20 lakh new voters are expected to be enrolled in the region ahead of polls.

“After abrogation of 370, those who couldn’t vote earlier can now register as voters. We are expecting an addition of (20-25 lakh) new voters in the final list,” the CEO said, including non-Kashmiris. He underlined that people of the region will be able to vote in the region just as it is for all states across India

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the decision was driven by the BJP’s “insecurity” about support in the region. “Is the BJP so insecure about support from genuine voters of J&K that it needs to import temporary voters to win seats? None of these things will help the BJP when the people of J&K are given a chance to exercise their franchise,” wrote the former Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said that she has already spoken to the NC leader Farooq Abdullah, head of People’s alliance for Gupkar declaration (PAGD) and president of National Conference (NC) to convene an all-party meeting to decide on the future course of action to oppose and fight the decision announced by the election commission on Wednesday.

“It is time when we should focus on the Kashmir resolution more than elections as it has gone beyond elections now,” she said. He added, “Our youth are being radicalised. Our brothers from the Kashmir Pandit community are being killed, police and security forces personnel are being killed, everybody is suffering,” she said

She referenced Nazi Germany and Palestine while criticizing the BJP’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Democracy is in danger. They are simply trying to bring in 25 lakh BJP voters through the backdoor,” she added.

“Allowing non-locals to vote is obviously to influence election results. Real aim is to continue ruling J&K with an iron fist to disempower locals,” she tweeted. – INDIA NEWS STREAM