The first phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand on Tuesday witnessed a high turnout. Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi said that the 71.28 per cent polling recorded in J&K was probably the highest.
Jharkhand saw 61.92 per cent voting in the 13 Assembly constituencies. Only minor incidents of violence were reported in the naxal-hit areas of western Jharkhand. In Chhatarpur seat of Palamu district, miscreants destroyed control units of voting machines in two booths.
“Re-polling is likely to be ordered in those booths as votes had been cast in those machines,” Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. No polling took place in three booths in a single location in Chatra, where a 12-kg improvised explosive device was recovered.
**Mr. Zutshi said that 121-year old Noor Bi, perhaps the oldest voter, cast her vote in the Kabhi polling booth in the Ramban constituency in J&K. **
In all, 10.67 lakh people voted in the State for 123 candidates in 1,787 booths.
He said security forces and polling teams were deployed and 43 helicopter sorties were made through the day. In the Lok Sabha election, the respective seats in J&K and Jharkhand registered turnouts of 52.63 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively.
Pro Delhi? Nah jee. Kashmiris have been saying this and it has been repeatedly over and over that voting is not an acceptance of India, but a recognition that they have to make the best of a situation imposed upon them and voting is the only way they can improve their life. Given the chance, the turnout would be even higher for the long denied but promised plebiscite.
You also conveniently forget that if the Muslims in Kashmir dont vote, then the Hindus who do vote will be the ones determining who forms the govt in the state, and they will likely elect the BJP. Another words, not voting would make the situation worse for the Muslims and the state as a whole. But you are free to believe otherwise. we all have our favorite fiction, yours can be this if you like.
there seems to be a change in the wind direction. people in Kashmirare realizing that they have a better future by participating in democratic election process. they can benefit a great deal by being a part of India's economic growth. i hope the violence will come to an end just like it did in Punjab.
there seems to be a change in the wind direction. people in Kashmirare realizing that they have a better future by participating in democratic election process. they can benefit a great deal by being a part of India's economic growth. i hope the violence will come to an end just like it did in Punjab.
Again, wishful thinking. Its not acceptance of India, its pragmatism. Give these people a referendum on independence (or at least the right to be free of India) and the voter turnout will be even higher. Indian growth is best enjoyed by those who choose to be Indian. If growth were enough to convince people of abandoning their identity, then everyone would want to be Indian, and every Indian would want to be Chinese...
Again, wishful thinking. Its not acceptance of India, its pragmatism. Give these people a referendum on independence (or at least the right to be free of India) and the voter turnout will be even higher. Indian growth is best enjoyed by those who choose to be Indian. If growth were enough to convince people of abandoning their identity, then everyone would want to be Indian, and every Indian would want to be Chinese...
well, until the referendum takes place, if EVER, then let them enjoy the economic growth and democratic rights. our generation probably will never see cessation of Kashmir from India...and, probably many generations and most likely NEVER!
well, until the referendum takes place, if EVER, then let them enjoy the economic growth and democratic rights. our generation probably will never see cessation of Kashmir from India...and, probably many generations and most likely NEVER!
The very least you can do is stop drawing such blatantly false conclusions. Voting does not equate too acceptance of India. And whether they 'enjoy' living under indian occupation is debatable. The fact that we can get no genuine opinion from Kashmiris themselves, since there is a complete media blackout imposed by India and Indian spies ensure they stay in line, you should not make assumptions.
Pro Delhi? Nah jee. Kashmiris have been saying this and it has been repeatedly over and over that voting is not an acceptance of India, but a recognition that they have to make the best of a situation imposed upon them and voting is the only way they can improve their life. Given the chance, the turnout would be even higher for the long denied but promised plebiscite.
You also conveniently forget that if the Muslims in Kashmir dont vote, then the Hindus who do vote will be the ones determining who forms the govt in the state, and they will likely elect the BJP. Another words, not voting would make the situation worse for the Muslims and the state as a whole. But you are free to believe otherwise. we all have our favorite fiction, yours can be this if you like.
Med,you mean to say that APHC that calls for poll boycott when polls are conducted in Kashmir has been abandoned by Kashmiris?You said voting
is the only option for them.It leaves no other conclusion but that APHC has been rejected by people outright.
So what do you want to say about the increased poll percentage in Kashmir?
Med,you mean to say that APHC that calls for poll boycott when polls are conducted in Kashmir has been abandoned by Kashmiris?You said voting
is the only option for them.It leaves no other conclusion but that APHC has been rejected by people outright.
So what do you want to say about the increased poll percentage in Kashmir?
Whether the APHC is rejected or not is debatable. What is clear from most unbiased sources, who are able to get at some kernal of truth despite India's blanket repression of independant media and freedom of speech in Kashmir, is that the people still want to have the oppurtunity to decide for themselves whether they want to be independant, join Pakistan or join India. The APHC is only the instrument through which the people have TRIED to get this perspective across, but unfortunately, when it comes to daily existence, bread and butter issues, pragmatism demands that they vote.
I think what i want to say about the increased poll turn out is what has already been stated above. I dont see why its so hard for your to understand. Its a very clear distinction. People simply want to have their basic needs addressed. That does not mean that they accept India, that means they understand that they have to **endure **India. That does NOT mean they accept Indian rule.
Think about it. Why would a people who have been struggling with your country for the past 60 years, suddenly decide that they are just going to acquiesce, and give up on all they have struggled for ? Was the Indian army going to make them change their minds? But like I said, we all have our favorite fiction. You can believe that the Kashmiri people have all surrendered and want to be Indian because they voted.
The Kashmiris should be given the option to decide for themselves what they want. Especially, since, per my understanding, Nehru had promised them plebiscite.
Now, I don't know if Kashmiris in Pakistan also want plebiscite. If they dont, fine. If they do, they should get that option also. Though it is my understanding that during partition the kashmiris wanted to be with Pakistan. So this probably not an issue on the Pakistani side of Kashmir.
The Kashmiris should be given the option to decide for themselves what they want. Especially, since, per my understanding, Nehru had promised them plebiscite.
Now, I don't know if Kashmiris in Pakistan also want plebiscite. If they dont, fine. If they do, they should get that option also. Though it is my understanding that during partition the kashmiris wanted to be with Pakistan. So this probably not an issue on the Pakistani side of Kashmir.
Let them decide their own fate... Where the referendum should be held, or where it should not is negotiable, as there are those in India Kashmir (Hindus and Buddhists) who do not want to leave India, likewise there are those in Pakistan who dont want to leave Pakistan. End this damn conflict so we can all move on.
Let them decide their own fate... Where the referendum should be held, or where it should not is negotiable, as there are those in India Kashmir (Hindus and Buddhists) who do not want to leave India, likewise there are those in Pakistan who dont want to leave Pakistan. End this damn conflict so we can all move on.
I agree. There is a way to find a solution. Details can be worked out.
Only reason people voted is to make sure that BJP does not win by default. Btw, most independent groups have put turn out to be around 40% and not 70% or whatever the Indian media claims to be.
Change is definitely in the wind. I visited valley recently and was surprised to see the flourishing tourism and their dislike about millitants. I think the last generation was the last generation with misguided separatist thoughts. Newer generation is busy getting education and working for MNC's in NCR region. I was told that every kashmiri has two homes, one in kashmir and second in Delhi. (same with phones, one kashmir number another delhi number to avoid roaming charges) During winter they go to delhi and it seems true if you visit Delhi the sheer number of kashmiris boggles your mind.
I think in next 10 years we will see a huge change in kashmir if thing keep on going the way they are right now.
Also if 370 is removed today then we wont have to wait even 5 years. Its sad that our politicians are doing nothing to remove 370, 370 keeps kashmiris poor and isolated. No MNCs can go to Kashmir, no big brands can open chains, no jobs, no nothing and all due to 370. Kashmiris have to go to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc to find decent jobs which could have gotton in Kashmir itself.
Only reason people voted is to make sure that BJP does not win by default. Btw, most independent groups have put turn out to be around 40% and not 70% or whatever the Indian media claims to be.
What independent groups??
BTW the claim is not by indian media, its reported by Election commission. In electronic voting they can tell you the exact number in realtime. Also there is huge difference between 40% and 70%. With hundreds of news channels monitoring the elections someone would have noticed the discrepancy.
Separatists have become irrelevant with the passage of time. I think Kashmiris have finally realised that their future is with India and not Pakistan. Interestingly sajjad lone (former) separatist leader could be bjp's ally after the elections and reportedly his wife is campaigning for bjp's candidates.
**Separatists have become irrelevant with the passage of time. I think Kashmiris have finally realised that their future is with India and not Pakistan. **Interestingly sajjad lone (former) separatist leader could be bjp's ally after the elections and reportedly his wife is campaigning for bjp's candidates.
I wold say this is this the best judged post on Kashmir by any Pakistani on G.S in the last 13 years.A ground reality imbibed post.
Whether the APHC is rejected or not is debatable. What is clear from most unbiased sources, who are able to get at some kernal of truth despite India's blanket repression of independant media and freedom of speech in Kashmir, is that the people still want to have the oppurtunity to decide for themselves whether they want to be independant, join Pakistan or join India. The APHC is only the instrument through which the people have TRIED to get this perspective across, but unfortunately, when it comes to daily existence, bread and butter issues, pragmatism demands that they vote.
*I think what i want to say about the increased poll turn out is what has already been stated above. I dont see why its so hard for your to understand. Its a very clear distinction. People simply want to have their basic needs addressed. That does not mean that they accept India, that means they understand that they have to endure India. That does NOT mean they accept Indian rule. *
Think about it. Why would a people who have been struggling with your country for the past 60 years, suddenly decide that they are just going to acquiesce, and give up on all they have struggled for ? Was the Indian army going to make them change their minds? But like I said, we all have our favorite fiction. You can believe that the Kashmiri people have all surrendered and want to be Indian because they voted.
The bolded statement draws a a different reply.Kashmiris need not reply on Indian polls to voice their opinion.For years they had been depending on insurgency thinking that would fetch them freedom but years long armed struggle not only shed their lives but also ruptured their economy as well.This is one reason that Kashmiris started shunning the path of extremism and started looking to Delhi with hopes.Remember,after a due course of time only foreign mercenaries remained in Kashmir and indigenous groups have finally faded away. Kashmiris know that their future is with India only and that is the reason they turned out in such huge numbers for polls.
Change is definitely in the wind. I visited valley recently and was surprised to see the flourishing tourism and their dislike about millitants. I think the last generation was the last generation with misguided separatist thoughts. Newer generation is busy getting education and working for MNC's in NCR region. I was told that every kashmiri has two homes, one in kashmir and second in Delhi. (same with phones, one kashmir number another delhi number to avoid roaming charges) During winter they go to delhi and it seems true if you visit Delhi the sheer number of kashmiris boggles your mind.
I think in next 10 years we will see a huge change in kashmir if thing keep on going the way they are right now.
Also if 370 is removed today then we wont have to wait even 5 years. Its sad that our politicians are doing nothing to remove 370, 370 keeps kashmiris poor and isolated. No MNCs can go to Kashmir, no big brands can open chains, no jobs, no nothing and all due to 370. Kashmiris have to go to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore etc to find decent jobs which could have gotton in Kashmir itself.
What is yopur take on plebiscite demand?An Indian member here supports Kashmiri's self-determination.
What is yopur take on plebiscite demand?An Indian member here supports Kashmiri's self-determination.
Everyone is entitled to have an opinion and i respect that.
Issue of Plebiscite is very much fantasized and romanticized by few people. It sounds like Kashmir was some alien country which India captured and they want to decide their fate.
I am not sure if there was a plebiscite condition set forth by Kashmir before joining India. No other state got this option then why should Kashmir suffer because of stupidity of nehru.
Plebiscite in kashmir will break it which no one wants. Lets say if plebiscite happens then pakistan's kashmir decides to stay under pakistan, srinagar wants to be independent country and jammu and laddakh will join india. It will be end of kashmir as we know it and i am against it. Indian kashmir is fine as it is , it just doesnt need outside interference with it from neighboring countries and if BJP win in local election then i hope they remove 370