Volume: 01 | Issue: 07 | Nov 28h - Dec 5th 2014 | Pages: 08 | English Weekly | Rs. 3/-

The Varmul PostB

aramulla

ELECTION SPECIAL

By Kashif Abdullah

A cautious BJP surprisingly decided not to field any candidate from volatile Sopore, which is con-sidered to be hub of pro-freedom sentiment. Po-litical observers believe BJP has a proxy candidate here, as the residents won’t vote for the pro-Hindu party given their past anti Muslim stand.

Sajad Lone’s recent meet with Prime minister Modi, and Peoples conference’s social media page that uploaded Sajad’s pictures with pandits in Jammu hint how BJP and PC would combine the votes in their favor. Politicl observers opine that BJP by not fieling any candidate from Sopore have left the field open for PC, as the majority commu-nity votes will get divided among the other local candidates.

According to online news portal firspost.com, BJP activists were involved in a massive voter-registration drive for members of the Kashmiri Pandit community throughout India. In Sopore, pandits have a good number of votes, which could boost the winning chances if polled together for a candidate. BJP by filing a proxy candidate have

combined local muslim and pandit votes. BJP and PC would be banking on three factors here: poll boycott, division of votes and the advantage of pandit votes.

The Sopore assembly seat witnessed 19.96 per cent turnout in 2008 Assembly polls. Of the total electorate of 90259 only 18019 exercised their right to franchise. NC’s Mohammad Ashraf Ganai won

the seat by securing 4368 votes and Congress party’s Abdur Rashid Dar was runner-up with 3304 votes.

“We are hoping that migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who are living in camps in Jammu and settled in other parts of the country, will vote in large num-bers for the party candidates and tilt the balance in favor of the party in some

of the key seats,” said a senior State BJP leader.Sopore is considered the hotbed of Kashmiri

resistance movement. People in Sopore usually don’t vote and consider “elections under Indian rule a farce and sham”. It is also the hometown of Syed Ali Geelani, who is a strong votary of poll boycott under “Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir”. “There are 16 candidates in the fray in Sopore and none will get more than 1,000 votes as the poll percentage has always remained low. Political ob-servers believe that in such circumstances, more than 2,000 votes of Kashmiri Pandits do matter.

In this year’s parliamentary elections, only 1,003 votes were cast in Sopore.

CONTD ON PAGE 2.....

BJP FIELDS SAJADTO FIGHTGEELANI IN SOPORE!

Mir Mushtaq

With most of the passen-ger vehicles being hired by the political parties for their election road shows, the pub-lic transport has been hit badly. Passengers are seen stranded at various places due to non-availability of transport. Most of vehicles including Buses, Sumo, Mini-buses and other vehicles are attached to either election duties or hired by political parties for their road shows

and campaigning. Baramulla-Handwara

route that has limited num-ber of vehicles plying is worst hit. Hundreds of passengers

are seen waiting for buses at Ladoora, Tragpora and wa-tergam stops. When this reporter visited Bus stand Rohama, which usually has a dozen of vehicles every morning for passengers to-wards baramulla, only a mini bus was seen.

Bashir ahmed, a passen-ger from Dangiwacha village told The Varmul Post that “we have regular sumo and mini bus service to our

CONTD ON PAGE 2.....

Pol parties hire vehicles: Passengers suffer due to non-availability of transport

BJP extends support to Sajad Lone in HandwaraBJP has come out open-

ly to support Chairman of Peoples Conference, Sajad Lone in Handwara assem-bly constituency.

BJP’s state vice-president said in Handwara “Yes we have extended support to

Sajad Lone in Handwara constituency. We had a meet here in which around 500 to 600 workers participat-ed and after deliberations, we decided to support him”

He said there are a num-ber of similarities in the

agenda of PC and BJP.“Sajad lone and BJP

stands for change and de-velopment. We have de-cided it is better to vote for lone”, he said. The BJP has not nominated any candidate for the constituency.

TVP Report

Rafiabad, which is going to polls on 9th December shall witness a close contest between NC’s Javaid Dar and PDP’s Yawar Mir. Besides these two, INC’s Abdul Gani Vakil and PC’s Khursheed Ahmad Khan will also get a good num-ber of votes. Ra-fiabad has tradi-tionally been a NC stronghold but with NC stalwart Dilawar Mir shifting to PDP in 2008, his support base too fol-lowed him giving PDP an ad-vantage. Political observers suggest a close contest this time though PDP got jolted prior to the elections with Dilawar Mir getting convicted by a Delhi Court. In 2008 assembly elec-tions the incumbent MLA, Ja-ved Ahmad Dar defeated Dila-

war Mir by a margin of just 216 votes.

In 2008 assembly elections, the contest was between Dar and Mir, but this time PC’s Khursheed Khan and INC’s Vakil are also predicted as

potential contenders. Dilawar Mir’s recent conviction in which he has been sentenced to three years in a

case related to wrongful release of Rs 30 lakh and con-tract for sale of urea to his firm by public sector National Fertil-izers Limited in 1993-1996, and Abdul Gani Vakil’s controversy relating “talking sex over phone” with a girl in which the Congress leader used obscene language, could bump the voters for both the parties. Dilawar Mir, released on bail had to field his son Yawar

CONTD ON PAGE 2.....

Rafiabad: Close contest between

NC and PDP

GROUND

REPORT

The Varmul Post P/2NEWS 28th Nov - 5th Dec 2014

BJP FIELDS SAJADBJP has not nominated any candidate from the

constituency till the filing of this report and it is expected that the party has tacit understanding with Sajjad Gani Lone and might ask migrants to vote for PC’s candidate.

State vice-president of BJP and in-charge of Kashmir, Ramesh Arora, according to media re-ports said that BJP has decided not to field any candidate in certain constituencies. “There is a possibility that we may enter into post-poll alliance with some parties,” he said.

RAFIABAD REPORTMir in his place, which also is not going well

with his supporters as they feel dynastic rule gain-ing ground instead of party preferences. And, Gani Vakil remains obstinate despites this scandal go-ing viral in public, which has not gone well with

his supporters. Besides these controversies, PC’s Khursheed

Khan may cut votes of Yawar Mir from the upper belt of Rafiabad. And Yawar’s inexperience on political turf may also work in favor of NC’s Javed Dar.

Dar’s win in 2008 assembly elections was seen as a revival of NC in Rafiabad after Dilawar Mir left the party to join PDP. Javed Dar was duly re-warded for it being inducted as a Minister by the NC government holding different portfolios includ-ing R&B, Agriculture, Floriculture, Horticulture, Mechanical Division, Health and Medical educa-tion in the 6 years of Omar Abdullah government.

Rafiabad is bearing a festive look these days; boycott call by separatist camp seems to have no effect in this constituency. Interestingly for the first time, BJP hoardings and party flags are also seen in this constituency. Irrespective of NC ad-vantage it is premature to tell which way the voters will go - whether Javaid Dar will retain his seat or

London educated Yawar Mir will prove his father right, only time will tell.

POL PARTIES HIREvillage but now they have gone with election

rallies and we have to walk to Watergam to catch a bus”.

F R O M P A G E O N E

READ AND RECCOMENDweekly

THE KAMRAZ TIMESBARAMULLA

PRO-FREEDOM LEADERS REITERATE POLL BOYCOTT CALL

While appealing for complete boycott of elections, in a joint message from the Kupwara Jail, the Hurriyat conference (JK) leader and chairman Democrat-ic Freedom Party Shabir Ahmad Shah, Chairman National Front Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Spokes-man Hurriyat Conference (G) Ayaz Akbar, Vice chairman JKLF Sheikh Mohammad Afzal and Adv Bashir Ahmad Bhat, JKLF leader and Deputy Chief orga-nizer Siraj-ud-Din Mir, chairman Muslim Conference Shabir Ahmad Dar, chairman Islamic Political Party Mohammad Yousuf Naqa-sh , Chair-m a n sa lva-t i o n move-m e n t Zaffer A kbar B h a t , T e h -reek-e-Hurri-yat leaders Amir-e-Hamzah and Salman Yousuf ,Mohammad Ismail Mir of Muslim League and general secretary Peoples Free-dom League Ghulam Ahmad Parray, said that the holding of election in presence 7.5 lakh army does not have any constitution-al or moral credibility.

In an emailed statement, they said, “Instead of Democratic pro-cess it is a military operation.

These types of elections have neither resolved the Kashmir is-sue in the past and nor can it change the status and seriousness of this internationally accepted

dispute in future also. Kashmiri people are not principally op-posed to the democracy, but the imprisonment of hundreds of Hurriyat leaders and activists and thousands of youths in hous-es, jails and police stations have made this entire process a one sided game and it has eliminat-ed its democratic sprit.”

They challenged that if the pro-freedom leaders are set free from houses and jails and they are allowed to reach to the peo-ple with their stand regarding the elections of Kashmir, then the majority of people will boycott

t h e “m i l i -tary op-eration a n d t h e y w i l l s t a y a w a y f r o m casting t h e i r votes.”

“The pro-Indian politicians are being given adequate chanc-es for holding elections rallies under heavy security cover and by their miss leading slogans, they are motivating people to cast votes in their favour, while as the pro-freedom are not being al-lowed to reach to the people and they are being imprisoned in un-democratic and illegal ways. Election drama held under the shadow of gun can’t be turned as referendum and nor can we abele to know the inner of the people of Kashmir by the process,” they claimed.

70 % turn out in first phase

70 per cent voter turn out has been recorded in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections, Election Commission of India has said.

Full Report on Page 4 “India had promised Kashmiris on national as well as international levels that

they will be given a chance to decide their future under the independent supervision of international community and decision their after will be respected, but India is still to fulfill these premises and they are trying to mislead the international com-munity regarding the Kashmir issue by holding election drama as a one sided game under the shadow of gun,” the leaders alleged.

They appealed people to respect the blood of martyrs’ of Kashmir and “do not let Indian cruel and wicked policies to succeed.”

“India massacred about six lakh Kashmiris from 1947 till date, 10 thousand people had been subjected to the custodial disappearance and the same number of people had been killed in custody, more than seven thousand unmarked graves had been discovered which are yet to be explained that who are buried in the graves and for what crime they have been killed, 7.5 thousand women had been either mo-lested or gang raped and the molestation of women is being used as war weapon by the Indian army,” they alleged.

“It is our national duty to protect these precious sacrifices and any carelessness in this regard will lengthen on journey of freedom,” they said and explained that no Indian or local pro-Indian parties who are fighting for elections in Kashmir is “lesser evil and none of them can be preferred upon others.”

The Varmul Post P/3CONSTITUENCY TALK

The prime land in Baramulla is under army, and mainly houses government offices. We will identify the government

land, which has not been utilized prop-erly; most of the buildings have been constructed haphazardly - a small struc-ture on many kanals of land. The govern-ment offices like Veterinary, fire services and R&B quarters are in the heart of town, which ought to be moved on the outskirts.

People from all walks of life irrespec-tive of their political affiliations have to be one for the development of Baramulla. “Vision Greater Baramulla” is not achiev-able within two or three months, it is not any short term plan. We have to prepare a plan so that next governments can work on that plan.

All the government offices have to be shifted in one secretariat so that people will not face any difficulty. Traffic jam is a routine in Baramulla Town; we have to find parking lots, and if voted to power will discuss about the construction of

flyovers. There has to be a specific timing for heavy vehicles to enter the town. Let me clarify, “No one can turn Kashmir into America, we have to make it a beau-tiful Kashmir!” The available resources have to be utilized properly. Beautification of river banks, and water tourism is also in our Greater Baramulla plan. The district hospital is lacking doctors, also we have to identify land for medical college. Rural health sector needs an overhaul. Our education system needs reforms. Small scale industries like Handicrafts, Hand-looms, entrepreneurial initiatives like medicinal plants, sheep farming, dairy farming have to be promoted. This will not only generate revenue but will help a lot of unemployed youth to get jobs.

Baramulla Constituency has a large number of Sikh population. Equal and justified participation of Sikh commnity

in every field will be ensured. Return of Kashmiri Pandits to the home is also a priority, which finds a special mention in our party manifesto.

‘No one can turn Kashmir into America, we have to make it a beautiful Kashmir’

PDP’s candidate from Baramulla Constituency, Javaid Beigh in an ex-clusive chat with THE VARMUL POST editor-in-chief talks about his vision for Baramulla Constituency.

28th Nov - 5th Dec 2014

INC’s candidate from Sopore Constitu-ency, Haji Abdul Rashid in a chit-chat with Associate Editor of THE VARMUL POST talks about his vision for Sopore Constitu-ency.

Whether you vote or not but come, knock the door of government and ask for de-velopment of your area, for your rights. Don’t talk about votes, if only few votes are casted, someone will get elected as per protocol. But who will develop your areas, who will provide you the jobs if you will not listen to him

and ask for the rights. If you will pelt stones on the peo-ple working for your devel-opment and prosperous life, no one is mad to take care of your pains and underde-velopment. Even people from pro-freedom camp ask me for development. Then why shouldn’t my own people of Sopore.

People of Sopore should learn from people of Jammu and Baramulla. They stand firm on their demands. They fight for their rights. Nobody pelted stones on any Min-ister while they laid the foundation of bridges or any other project in Baramulla. Yes they also protest for

atrocities but when it comes to development, they help the government in its com-pletion. They aren’t anti-development.

My appeal to people of Sopore is don’t vote for me but make it sure that you will defeat Modi and his proxies in Sopore. Else bad days ahead.

I have certain plans for Sopore. Road widening, con-nectivity through bridges and roads, creating more jobs as unemployment is driving our young generation towards drugs and illegal jobs. Ask for it then see what I will do for you.

‘Don’t vote for me, But ask for development’Abdul Rashid Dar

Out of 2058 migrant votes,NC ll get it’s due shareNC’s candidate from Sopore Constituency, M. Ashraf

Ganaie- the sitting MLA, talks about ‘much hyped’

migrant votes and his vision for Sopore Constituency.

Sopore constituency wit-nessed new changes in last six years never seen before. In 2008 assembly elections people elect-ed me to power thereby putting their faith in me. I tried my level best to develop Sopore but still much more is to be done.

Installation of street lights, macadamization of road from Sangrama to Sopore, Sopore bypass, drainage system, repair-ing of link roads, overhaul of health and education sector was a great achievement in last few years. Nobody can carry out developmental works here in months or so. We have to do it gradually.

Our offices are scattered. All the government offices have to be shifted in one mini-secre-

tariat. People face lot of difficul-ties. These issues need to tack-led. Lack of doctors and para-medical staff is a big problem here. Traffic jam is a routine in Sopore Town; we have to find parking lots. The bus stand is in a worst condition. I have plans to construct it on the bases of Bangalore (bus terminal) mod-el. If voted to power, will de-velop it on war footing.

When asked about the divi-sion of votes, M Ashraf Ganaie seemed calm. We have our own migrant vote share. BJP has no footing in Sopore. But if it is total boycott, then BJP proxy candidate may emerge as a win-ner.

NC’s candidate from Rafiabad Constituency, Javid Ahmad Dar in an exclusive chat with VP’s editor in chief talks about his vision for Rafiabad Con-stituency.

In a room full of supporters, Javid Ahmad Dar sitting calmly in a corner, talking about problems in the con-stituency. Hard to find, where the sitting MLA and Minister holding various portfolios is, as there is no distinction as such.

Go ask people what I have done for them in my tenure. Ladoora-Fruit

mandi-Sopore road was in dilapi-dated conditions. No minister or MLA repaired or macdamised this road, I released funds for its macdamisa-tion. My father Late Mohd Yousuf Dar in his tenure built the bridge at Mazbug. I released funds for the new bridge. Jahama-Ladoora bridge has reduced the travelling hours. Now people of this constituency have not to visit Sopore or Baramulla in order to travel Srinagar. The macdamiza-tion, relocating of houses and widen-ing of roads is in plan. Upgradation of schools, health centres and con-nectivity is still needed in various areas of this constituency.

There is no such effect of Modi wave in Kashmir. People vote for re-sponsible candidate. Brand matters. Voters are not that lame they vote against such forces.

Brand matters;People vote for responsible candidate

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The Varmul Post P/4ELECTION NEWS 28th Nov - 5th Dec 2014

CONSTITUENCY VOTER TURNOUTSonawari 80 %

Gurez 77 %

Kangan 76 %

Doda 79 %

Bandipora 70%

Ganderbal 53%

Nobra 75.6%

Leh 66%

Kargil 60%

Zanskar 71%

Kishtwar 68%

Inderwal 72.54%

Bhaderwah 70%

Ramban 68%

Banihal 70%

70% voter turnout in Phase-I J&K polls: Election CommisionJammu and Kashmir went to the

polls on 25th November to kickstart elections in first phase of assembly elections in 15 constituencies.

Over seventy one percent elector-ate cast their vote in Tuesday’s poll-ing for the first phase of the Assem-bly elections across 15 constituencies spread in seven districts of the state, officials said.

In a press conference held by the Chief Elec-toral Officer – Umang Narula – disclosed the voting percentage of all constituencies. 77 percent votes were cast in 9-Gurez, 70 percent in 10-Bandi-pora, 80 percent in 11-Sonawari, 76 percent in 16-Kangan, 53 percent in 17-Ganderbal, 75.6 percent in 47-Nobra, 66 percent in 48-Leh, 60 percent in 49-Kargil, 71 percent in 50-Zanskar, 68.83 percent in 51-Kishtwar, 72.54 percent in 52-Inderwal, 79 percent in 53-Doda, 70 percent in 54-Bhaderwah, 68 per-cent in 55-Ramban (SC) and 70 per-

cent in 56 Banihal.A 61 percent voter turnout was

recorded in the 2008 Assembly polls for these 15 seats—six in Jammu di-vision, five in Kashmir Valley and four in Ladakh.

In the five Valley constituencies,

two in Ganderbal district recorded 68 percent turnout—an increase of 13 percent from 2008 Assembly polls—while three in Bandipora dis-trict recorded 70.30 per cent, regis-tering an increase of 11 percent.

In the six seats of Jammu division, two constituencies in Doda district recorded a turnout of 76 percent while

it was 70 percent each for the four seats in Kishtwar and Ramban dis-tricts.

While there was increase of eight percent in Doda district and nearly four percent in Ramban district, Kishtwar district recorded a drop of

over three percent.“The polling was held in a

peaceful atmosphere and no untoward incident was re-ported from any part of the constituency and in order to ensure that the polling is done in various inaccessible areas of the hilly districts 43 air sor-ties were done,” Narula told reporters in Jammu.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that the constituencies

that went to the polls were spread over seven districts for which as many as 1787 polling station at 1606 loca-tions were set up, which included 85 critical and 558 hypersensitive ones.

In order to improve the voting experience of the voters 92 model polling stations were established with innovative facilities, Narula said add-

‘FRAUD AND MANIPULATED’: GEELANIparty Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) called the process a

“fixed game” and a “mere eye-wash”.“Kashmiris have been witnessing this drama every now and then but it has

and will never change the course of our struggle for freedom,” said party Chairman, Mushtaq Ahmad Ajmal.

Calling the election process in Jammu and Kashmir as a ‘fixed match’, Mushtaq said that it was manipulated and had no value or credibility.

The party said that as government has arrested pro-freedom leaders and youth, the whole affair of elections has further lost its credibility and has come down to one sided match. “If India and its Kashmiri stooges have some shame left, they should provide JKLF and other pro-boycott people an opportunity to propagate their ideas freely so that the reality of these elections is known to everyone,” the party said.

‘FIXED GAME, MERE EYE-WASH’: JKLFJammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) called the process a “fixed game”

and a “mere eye-wash”.“Kashmiris have been witnessing this drama every now and then but it has and will

never change the course of our struggle for freedom,” said party Chairman, Mushtaq Ahmad Ajmal.

Calling the election process in Jammu and Kashmir as a ‘fixed match’, Mushtaq said that it was manipulated and had no value or credibility.

The party said that as government has arrested pro-freedom leaders and youth, the whole affair of elections has further lost its credibility and has come down to one sided match. “If India and its Kashmiri stooges have some shame left, they should provide JKLF and other pro-boycott people an opportunity to propagate their ideas freely so that the reality of these elections is known to everyone,” the party said.

‘‘The turnout was good, no denying that but there are still 4 phases to go so can we please stop talking about ballot over bullet Etc.’’

Shujaat Bukhari @bukharishujaat · If at all Kashmiris hav reconciled let N Delhi repeal AFSPA,sent troops back to barracks start meaningful dialogue.

Let u respect d verdict

iKashmir @icashmir Time for Indian democracy to repose trust in 70% voters. Let it silence Pakistan once for all by going for plebiscite.

#KashmirKamal Hak @KamalHak Lol! Some TV channels interpret #Kashmir polling in a way that suggests finally Separatists have met their Waterloo.

Can’t help #ROFL

Sitaraman Shankar @shankarht Amazing turnout in phase 1 in J&K, 70 pct plus. Advantage PDP maybe, but vote against separatists, certainly #Kash-

mirpollsUmar Sultan @omarsultan616 Noo need to be sad. Pro-India partis apear with begng bwl for jus 2 mnths, Pro-Fredom prtis rule the roost rest of the

6 years in #Kashmir

Auqib salam @iauqibsalam Itz too early to celebrate bot #KashmirPolls ,thy voted to keep communal BJP away.Fire of Freedom is in the heart of

#Kashmir

TWITTERATI SPOKE

The Varmul Post P/5SPEACIAL REPORT 28th Nov - 5th Dec 2014

The ongoing poll season has set Baramulla’s old town in a tizzy with night raids to wind up youth allegedly linked with stone pelting ‘haunt’ locals. While police claim law is tak-ing its own course, the youth and their parents in the line of fire are rueing ‘harassment,’ reports Sofi Ahsan

The old town Baramulla is on security radar at the moment owing to its anti-es-tablishment ire that often emanates from its congested spaces. With poll process al-ready set in motion, government forces on war-footing are making it sure to plug any poll protest in this part of north Kashmir.

The town bears a stark resemblance with the old Srinagar with lanes and bylanes criss-crossing the congested structures spanning over dozens of Mohallas. People sitting on shop plinths are busy chatting; children and women peeking through the windows as Jhelum nearby flows calmly towards Uri.

But in this polling season, the town has lost its calm. Last few weeks had given sleep-

less nights to many households here. Reason: the night raids carried out by police to ‘hunt’ down youth with alleged stone pelting links. Over dozens have been already apprehend-ed, while scores are on run to evade arrests. Amid all this, police sources declare that intensified arrests are on the cards in com-ing days.

‘A’ fearing his possible arrest in a stone pelting case registered against him in 2009 is putting up at his relative’s residence these days. An undergrad student in Government College Baramulla, he says his address with photo is with the police. “I fear they (govern-ment forces) may also come after me,” he says.

But he isn’t alone to feel that way. There are many others from this township who are on ‘police radar’ since 2010 for “subversive activities”.

Old town was at the forefront of pro-free-dom agitations during the 2008 and 2010 uprisings. During parliamentary polls this spring, the town spontaneously got shutdown for days together against arrest spree of youth. Now this fall (gripped in poll season), the town again appears ‘haunted’ due to fresh arrests.

Naveed and his family were asleep when the police allegedly broke open the front door of their house in the middle of night a few weeks ago. When they woke up, a con-tingent of police was already inside their house calling for Naveed. It was 2am; and government forces were on a nocturnal raid to nab the 18-year-old.

A Class 11 student, Naveed spends his free time at his father’s kiryana shop. He has an FIR registered against him for “mobilizing stone pelters,” as per his father Farooq Ah-mad. “I assured the police party that I would myself bring Naveed to the police station in the morning,” Farooq says, “but they (police) refused and took him away in the dead of night.”

After eight days, Muhammad Amin re-cently stepped out of police custody. He was picked up as a substitute for his absent son Aasim during a police nocturnal raid at his home. After giving assurance—that he would present his son before the police within five days, Amin was set free. “I have no alterna-tive than to take my son to the police with the hope that he would be released soon,” says Amin, visibly crestfallen.

Speaking on the fresh arrest spree in the town, SSP Baramulla Suhail Munawar Mir justifies the nocturnal raids stating the night raids are “easier” and “effective” than day-

t i m e r a i d s . “ B e -s i d e s ,” says SSP Mir, “we p r e f e r noctur-nal raids to pre-vent col-l a t e r a l damage or vio-l e n c e du r i n g the day-time.”

B u t the night raids have their own costs.

Two persons including a girl were badly wounded early this month when police re-portedly fired pellets inside a house during a night raid.

And on November 11, the town observed a partial shutdown against the arrest of an-other youth. “Given the violence that broke out in Baramulla a day after the parliamen-tary polls in May this year,” says Muzaffar Yasir, a local, “the police action can only be described as a preparation for the ongoing state polls.”

While the youth (with “chequered past”) are continuously facing the music, SSP Mir admits beefed up “security measures” in practice for poll process. “We have intensi-fied our actions in view of the polls,” asserts Baramulla police chief, “but the law has to take its course.” And the youth, he continues,

with registered cases “have to face arrest, today or tomorrow”.

Scores of youth (in the town) have stone pelting cases registered against them. It gives police a license to target the youth, locals allege, when-ever the old town sim-mers. “The cases keep piling up against the youth after pr ote s t s ,” says Abdul R e h m a n Shalla, pres-ident Auqaf Committee Baramulla. “As a result, they are fac-ing arrest now.”

S a f a a n Zargar is a Class 10 stu-dent who has a number of stone pelting cases regis-tered against him. The po-lice recently apprehended him from his aunt’s house. “The court had bailed him out,” Zargar’s grief-ridden mother told Kashmir Life, “but the police rearrested him very soon.”

Pertinently, post-2010 uprising, the Baram-ulla police had presented a list of about 300 stone pelters belonging to different areas of Baramulla district (including old town) to the public; and asked them to present the youth before police. “We handed over the names of youth to respective Masjid com-mittees,” continues Shalla who was part of the police-public meet, “and asked them to counsel them.”

However, in 2012, chief minister Omar Abdullah initiated a project to decongest the old town by removing some of the existing structures to pave way for the construction of multi-lane roads in its interiors. Though the project stands stalled, there is deep feel-ing in the town that the project was aimed to quell stone pelting incidents in the local-ity as “it becomes difficult for police to enter the congested area”.

With ‘heightened vigilance’ over the town during this poll season, police is expressing satisfaction over the “mellow-down” town. Amid this, the youth continue to feel “ha-rassed” and “victimized”.

“We all figure in police wanted list,” says ‘A’ still on run.

This report appeared first in Kashmir Life Weekly and we are reproducing it with due per-mission.

Baramulla Old Town’s Nightmare

“We all figure in p o l i c e wanted list,” says ‘A’ still on run.

“we prefer nocturnal raids to prevent collateral damage or violence during the daytime.” SSP Baramulla Suhail Munawar Mir

The Varmul Post P/6ELECTION 28th Nov - 5th Dec 2014

J&K

ASSEMBLY

ELECTIONS

2014

kn

ow

yo

uR cand

ida

te.Ghulam-ud-Din Gulshan

R/o: Zoogiyar Sheeri Narawaw, Baram-ulla

Age: 57 yearsParty: People’s Republican Party (PRP)

Constituency: 13-Baramulla

A businessman, executive and founder member of PRP with a political of 35 years.

Election manifesto: To provide better basic requirements, good governance, cor-ruption free state, employment generation, improvement of health sector, profession-

al and technical education.

Aashiq Hussain Ganai

R/o: KhawajaBagh, Baramulla

Age: 30 years

Party: Independent

Constituency: 13-Baramulla

Ex-serviceman of army, contested in 2008 Parliament elections on the ticket of BDP and 2014 Parliament elec-tions as Independent candidate with due support from Aam Admi Party

(AAP)

Election manifesto: Pro-bussiness, anti capitalism. Jan Lokpal Bill, Swaraj Bill. Transparency in government of-

fices. Review AFSPA.

Salman Anees Soz

R/o: Khanpora, BaramullaAge: 44 years

Constituency: 13-BaramullaParty: Indian National Congress

Son of party president Saif ud din Soz, MBA Yale University (USA) taught, been a part of World Bank for 13 years.

Election manifesto: Create new and good jobs, especially through private sector development. Revamp school education to improve quality. push for more doctors and paramedics in towns and villages. Also press for health insur-ance for low and middle income families.

Javid Hassan Baigh

R/o: Wehdina,ChandoosaAge: 50 years

Constituency: 13-BaramullaParty: People’s Democratic Party

Social activist turned politician, self business, a man with a vision.

Election manifesto: Vision Greater Baramulla, Development in all aspects, Creating jobs through both private and government sector, small scale industries, tourism villages. Dignified return of Pan-dits and equal participation of Sikh com-

munity in every field.

Ghulam Hassan Rahi R/o: Noorbagh, Baramulla

Age: 57 yearsConstituency: 13-Baramulla

Party: JK National Conference

A businessman.

Election manifesto: Removal of AFSPA, development of constituency.

Javed Ahmad DarR/o: Ladoora, Rafiabad

Age: 40 yearsParty: National Conference

Constituency: 07-Rafiabad

Pune University Pass out, sitting MLA, Minister of State for R&B, Health and

Medical Education

Election manifesto: Development in health and education sector, creating em-ployment through various schemes, con-struction and widening of roads, con-nectivity, industrial units, up-gradation of schools, safe drinking water and im-

provement of irrigation system.

Yawar Ahmad Mir

R/o: Rohama, RafiabadAge: 27 yearsParty: PDP

Constituency: 07-Rafiabad

Advocate, LLM from University of Noth-

ingham UKElection manifesto: Employment, devel-

opment, health sector, roads, electricity,

Peace, Honor.

Ab Gani Vakil

R/o: Nowpora Kalan, SoporeAge: 56 yearsParty: JK INC

Constituency: 07-Rafiabad

LLB from Aligarh Muslim UnivesityElection manifesto: Main thrust is

on employment, development.

The Varmul Post P/7ELECTION 28th Nov - 5th Dec 2014

Young and restless for change

Different constituencies, different parties, but a common aim: To serve the people. Adil Akhzer takes a look at first-timers who hope to change the system

Muzaffar Ahmad Lone, Age: 25 Party: J&K National Panthers Party Constituency: Sopore

A resident of Sangrama in North Kashmir, Lone is a businessman who joined politics in 2012 to help the youth of his area. “Many of our innocent youth are languishing in jails and I want to help them,” he says. “People have realised that I am the youngest candidate in the state and they know that I can rep-resent them in a better manner,” he adds.

Sajad Sheikh, Age: 29Party: Independent Constituency: Sopore

Sheikh joined politics three years ago, and was the founder member of Awami Itehad Party — formed by Independent legislator Engineer Rashid. A law graduate and emigration lawyer, he decided to join politics to change Sopore town in terms of development, security and prosperity. “I want to change the lives of people,” he says. “People of Sopore will vote for me as I have been working with the youth as well as the elders.”

Altaf Sultanpuri,Age: 35 Party: Independent Constituency: Baramulla

Sultanpuri was working with Qatar Airways till 2012 when he left his job to join politics. His father is a journalist and his grandfather was associated with the Congress. Sultanpuri says that the state government has neglected Baramulla for too long. “I know where the lacuna is and I will work for the people,” he says. A graduate from Delhi University, he says that he joined politics only after people from his constituency encouraged him to do so. “People are fed up with all political parties and they want a change,” he says, adding that he intends to end dynastic rule in Baramulla.

(Courtesy: Indian Express)

Haji M Ashraf Ganaie

R/o: Dangerpora Sopore Age: 73 years

Party: JK National Conference

Constituency: 08-SoporeFormer Chairman and sitting MLA

Election manifesto: Plan for Mini-secretari-at, a bus stand in outside main market and de-

velopment for roads.

Nazir Ahmad Naikoo

R/o: Seelo SoporeAge: 60 years

Party: Peoples Democratic Party

Constituency: 08-Sopore

Bussinesman, fought unsuccesfully 2008 Assembly election as indpendent from

Sopore.

Abdul Rashid Dar

R/o: Dangerpora Sopore Age: 65 years

Party: Indian National CongressConstituency: 08-Sopore

Former Chairman and ex MLA

Election manifesto: Development, road connectivity, macadamization of roads,

employment.

Khursheed Ahmad KhanR/o: LaduLadoora, Rafiabad

Age: 57 yearsParty: JK People’s ConferenceConstituency: 07-Rafiabad

Retired government official (police)

Mohd Ramzan BabaR/o: Magraypora Sopore

Age: 56 yearsParty: JK People’s Conference

Constituency: 08- Sopore

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The Varmul Post P/8OTHER NEWS

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28th Nov - 5th Dec 2014

Bookies see hung assembly in Jammu & Kashmir;BJP seen making major in roads.

MUMBAI: Bookies, it seems, are expecting hung assembly in Jammu & Kashmir, Elections are happening in the current round with first phase over on 25th of this month. But if the trend in the illegal Satta Bazzar is anything to go by, the BJP is set to make major in roads in the Hi-malayan state.

Bookies in Mumbai and Delhi have predicted the outcome of the April-May national elections with accuracy. They have been accurate on last month’s Maharashtra polls, too.

The odds of the BJP winning 25 seats in the J&K assembly are 0.58:1 - that means, bookies are willing to pay 58 paise for each rupee bet on the BJP winning 25 seats, two members from sepa-rate betting syndicates in Delhi said. They will pay 70 paise on accurate bets of the party winning 20 seats and Rs 1.10 if it gets 30. If the bet is for 35 berths in the 87-member assembly, and that turns out to be the outcome, one rupee

will earn Rs 2.25 for those who predicted it ac-curately. As the returns increase, the chances of

winning reduce.Based on the odds, the People’s Democratic

Party will likely emerge as main opponent for the BJP. For each rupee, bookies offer 20 paise for

the party winning 20 seats. Those betting for the party winning 40 seats will get Rs 6 if the outcome matches. Based on current odds, the mostly like-ly scenario for the ruling National Conference is five seats, compared with 28 last time. The Con-gress, which has 17 MLAs now, may even return blank.

For the BJP, which has 11 members in the out-going assembly, even getting 25 seats will be a big again, though that won’t take anywhere near meeting its 44+ target. Its aim is to win most of seats in Jammu and Ladakh regions, which to-gether send 41 MLAs to the assembly. Some book-ies expect the Narendra Modi wave to help the party win some seats in the Kashmir valley too.

“Higher vote for the BJP in Hindu dominated Jammu is a given, but surprisingly for the first time, even Muslim youths in the valley are at-tracted to BJP,” said a bookie.

BSNL ‘SINGS’ ELECTION TUNEIT WAS ON THE REQUEST OF CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER: BSNL

Srinagar: As election cam-paigning ended for the first phase of assembly polls , the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Lim-ited (BSNL), Kashmir Circle Monday surprisingly started the voice messaging and asked the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote.

Wishing anonymity one of the top officer of the BSNL told KNS, “We had earlier re-ceived a request from the Chief Electoral Officer of J&K to start a voice messaging service on mobile phones by which people, on picking up

the handset, would hear a message to cast their vote on the polling day. On the request of him we have started the voice messaging and asked the people to vote. Moreover it was an effort to make the public aware of their voting a day before voting.”

He said that the message will reach to 4.5 lakh mobile users, and “we have decided to extend the service to mo-bile users in the next phase of polling as well.”

“Under the plan, the mes-sage for ‘Vote’ would con-

tinue on all mobiles of the BSNL subscribers till the poll-ing day. Being a government enterprise, it is also our mor-al duty to support the district administration to motivate the people to cast their vote,” he said. Pertinently to regis-ter the highest poll percent-age in the constituencies the Political parties as well as the district administration had designed various voter aware-ness campaigns for the last few days. (KNS)

Election Commission has banned the publication and dissemination of e x it p ol ls of any k ind in p ol l -bound Jhark hand and Jammu and K ashmir.

“ The publication and dissemina-t ion of e x it p ol ls of any k ind in

Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir have been banned,” Chief Elec tion Commissioner of Jhark hand P K Jajor ia , said while quoting a state -ment of ECI in Ranchi .

Security arrangements for polls in North Kashmir reviewed

Top army and police officials today reviewed the security arrange-ments for Assembly elections in North Kash-mir, which will vote in first three of the five-phased polls in the state.

“A joint security re-view meet was held at Baramulla by General Officer Commanding of Army’s 15 Corps Lt General Subrata Saha and Inspector General of Police Kashmir A G Mir,” a police spokes-man said.

During the meeting, the security scenario of North Kashmir Range was discussed for con-duct of peaceful and incident-free Assembly elections, the spokes-man said.

He said a detailed discussion was held to strengthen the secu-rity grid, synergise coordination among different security agen-cies to strategise and fine-tune the security plans.

“Various measures to check militant ac-tivities were discussed so that a congenial en-vironment is created for peaceful elections,” the spokesman added.

He said the meeting was attended by Major General S K Saini, GOC Kilo Force, Major Gen-eral Anil Chouhan, GOC 19 Div, DIG North Kash-mir G H Bhat, DIG CRPF M S Rawat, DIG BSF P K Joshi and all Com-

manders of Army units and district SPs of the Baramulla Range.

“The Commanders of Army and DIGs gave a brief about the pre-vailing situation and measures taken. District SPs also gave a detailed account of various steps taken,” he said.

Three constituencies of North Kashmir Ban-dipora district will go to polls in the first phase on November 25, fol-lowed by five Assembly segments of Kupwara district on December 2. The seven Assembly seats of Baramulla dis-trict will go to polls on December 9. (PTI)

MODI TO VISIT ON DECEMBER 7 INSTEAD OF 6.Ram Madhav campaigning in valley to set stage for the PM

Srinagar: The PM Modi is visiting J&K on Dec 7 instead of Dec 6 to ad-dress BJP Poll rallies in various of the state reliable sources within the party told KNS. Report informed that the Narendra Modi is visiting the state including various of Kashmir Valley to campaign for BJP during the ongoing state elections sources privy to this development revealed that states are all set for the Prime Minister to address poll rallies at central Kashmir’s Srinagar and Ganderbal. BJP has already channelized all its senior leadership and big wigs to strengthen party’s base in the politically vexed state of J&K.

Meanwhile sources told KNS that Narendra Modi is close Aid and senior BJP Leader Ram Madhav is campaigning in valley to give final shape to the visit of the PM scheduled for Dec 7. Madhav is also holding close door meets with several political camps here to accompanies BJP’s mission 44 for J&K. (KNS)

Election Commission bans exit polls in Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir