J&K: Panchayat Polls Plagued by Fraudulent Candidature, “Vote Theft” and Killing

Voting for the second phase of panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir took place on Tuesday amid high security, in the wake of a boycott call by the separatists and threats by militants. In Jammu and Kashmir, voting took place at 2,179 polling stations, including 828 in Kashmir, and 1351 in Jammu division. Polling started at 8 am, and ended at 2 pm. According to IANS, total voter turnout in phase II of panchayat polls was 69.4%  – 52.3%  in Kashmir and 80.1% in Jammu.

The highest turnout recorded was in Udhampur (83.9% ) followed by Rajouri (83.5% ), Poonch (81.7%), Doda(81.7%), Kathua (78.7%), Kishtwar (77.8% ), and Ramban (72.3%) in Jammu division.

Meanwhile, in Kashmir, the lowest turnout was recorded in Anantnag (1% ), and the highest was in Kupwara(69.7%). It was 66.3%  in Bandipora, 11.2% in Baramulla, and 27.4% in Ganderbal.

In Ladakh division, the highest turnout was recorded in Kargil (66.5% ), followed by Leh (66.3%).

A day before phase II of the panchayat elections, it was revealed that several candidature forms were filled in the names of many people in Kashmir, who were not even aware of it. One such incident came to light in Aloosa, Bandipora district. Mohammad Amin Bhat, who is a carpenter by profession, was shocked when one of his neighbours told him that a form for panch and sarpanch elections has been submitted in his name.

“I was shocked when my neighbour sarcastically “congratulated” me for participating in elections,” Amin toldNewsclick.

He further told Newsclick that soon after he came to know about his “candidature”, he rushed to the deputy commissioner’s office to withdraw, but he was not allowed do so, as the deadline to withdraw candidature had passed.

“I belong to a poor family, trying to manage my daily expenses by doing labour. I don’t have any link with, nor I’m interested in politics,” Amin informed Newsclick.   

Many videos went viral on social networking sites in which people are seen complaining that they haven’t submitted any form, but their names are among the contesting candidates’ list.

People are raising questions, and are demanding a serious investigation into the matter.

Another incident was reported from Jailbal Dooru, a village from Anantnag district. Yawar Hussain, while talking to the reporters, said that a few days back, a man who lives in his village approached him, and told him that he can help him to get a job under MGNREGA.

“I gave him my voter ID card and Aadhaar card, thinking that I will get the job soon. But, I was surprised to see myself listed among the BJP’s candidates for panchayat elections,” said Yawar.

Just two days after the phase I of panchayat elections, which took place on November 17, deputy commissioner of Poonch has requested Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra for re-polling. He made this request after he was informed about the “theft” of 25 votes in Upper Sani of Poonch district.

As per reports, during the counting of votes of sarpanch constituencies of panchayat Upper Sanai, a person identified as Irfan Ali introduced himself as an employee of Rural Development Department, deputed for the collection of information of counting for onward submission to higher authorities. This reportedly gave him access to the counting table.

Soon after, the counting staff noticed that one of the bundles containing 25 votes for the post of sarpanch was allegedly missing. Before they could catch him, he was already out of the building.

Such incidents are raising questions about the electoral authorities.

A person (wishing anonymity) from South Kashmir, while speaking to Newsclick, said that casting vote in Kashmir is no less than walking on a sword. “People who risk their lives and cast votes are expecting a positive response from the authorities, but it seems like they are not able to keep an eye on the election process which diminishes hopes of the people in the authorities,” he said. 

Panchayat elections which commenced on November 17 will continue till December 11.

Killing during the phase II of panchayat election

On Tuesday morning, unknown gunmen allegedly shot dead a Hurriyat leader in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, while his wife was injured in the incident.

Official sources said that unknown gunmen fired upon a Tehree-e-Hurriyat district President Anantnag Hafeezullah Mir, at his residence in Budroo Achabal area of Anantnag district.

Mir was reportedly rushed to the hospital for the treatment, however, doctors at the District Hospital Anantnag declared him dead on arrival. His wife is being treated at the hospital.

Read more: J&K Panchayat Polls Begin Amid Complete Shutdown in Valley