Ahead of Civic Polls, 2 NC Workers Shot Dead in Srinagar
Attack may affect voter turnout, spurs insecurity among independent candidates
New Delhi/Srinagar: Two days ahead of the municipal polls in the valley, two National Conference (NC) workers were shot dead in broad daylight in the heart of the city Habba Kadal in Srinagar at around 11.30 in the morning. As per sources, unidentified gunmen lobbed a volley of bullets at Mushtaq Ahmed Wani, Nazir Ahmed Bhat and Shakeel Ahmed Zangoo. The three were rushed to the hospital where Wani and Bhat succumbed to their injuries and Zangoo is in a critical condition. The attack has ruptured the claims of tight security in the valley and has added more to the anxiety ahead of the civic polls. As a result the fear among the candidates is increasing. As per reports two female candidates have withdrawn from ULB election.
Observers believe that the attack is likely to affect voter turnout, as many people were already scared to go out and vote. However, the incident has also strengthened the claims made by major parties -- People's Democratic Party and NC- who felt the situation in the valley was "not conducive for polls".
"While the authorities have taken strict measures to ensure that the voters pass without any trouble but the today's killing can lead to a ripple affect in the valley," said a resident requesting anonymity. It should be noted that the NC workers killed today were not participating in the upcoming polls, starting on October 8.
Family members wailing after NC workers Nazir Ahmed Bhat was shot dead (Kamran Yousuf/NewsClick)
Independent Candidates 'Anxious'
Meanwhile, the attack has also created a sense of anxiety among independent candidates. “With growing attacks on ULB (urban local body) candidates in Jammu and Kashmir, security concerns of independent candidates are neglected. This attack acts a reminder but then again, our participation is for the people”, said Mohammad Fazil, an independent candidate. Earlier this week, Fazil’s house in Rainwari, Srinagar, was attacked with stones.
As per other independent candidates, their participation is an attempt to sideline Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is trying establish its base in the valley. “We are contesting to push (the BJP) away”, said Baba Firdous, contesting from Eidgah, Srinagar district. “We are risking our lives by participating in the elections, just to keep the BJP away from Kashmir because they are not our well-wishers”.
Another resident of Batamaloo, while speaking to NewsClick, said, "If candidates are not able to live in their own areas, how can they be expected to win elections. With looming threats from militant groups, contestants have been urging the administration to provide them with secured accommodation."
"Although hotel rooms have been provided, over eight independent candidates are being allotted a single room. Without knowing who is who, this has raised additional security concerns for the candidates who fear attacks by men in covert," he added.
Amid security concerns, independent candidates are not disclosing their identities. "Without complete information, people won't be able to make the full use of their right to vote and the results will favour the candidates with both money and power. If candidates have made the decision to participate, they should come forward to talk to people and know what the public wants," he said.
Terming the boycott of PDP and NC a 'drama', another independent candidate said, "These major parties have asked their workers to participate in elections and if they win, they will club them back to their parties. The example in front of us is that of Junaid Mattoo (former NC spokesperson who quit the party to contest the polls)."
Several independent candidates believe that people are upset with the Central and state governments, but not with independent candidates. "The participation of political workers in the ULB elections has created confusion among the public, who can't differentiate between independent candidates and those affiliated to political parties," said another independent candidate on the condition of anonymity.
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