In a change from usual, no calls for boycotting the elections have been made in Jammu and Kashmir region by separatists which has been a norm in the valley since 1996. It used to be a usual routine for the Separatists groups in Kashmir to chant their anti-government slogans and asking people in the valley not to participate in the electoral process but this time around, as the nation looks forward to participate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections, election boycott calls by separatists are not being heard ever since the Centre's crackdown on groups like Jamat-e-Islami and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).
Calling for election boycott used to be Separatists one of the key activities in Kashmir to execute their nefarious propaganda that Kashmir was a 'disputed' region. However, it isn't the case this time around in the valley.
Separatists who have been under the scanner of the Centre on issues of terror funding, creating instability in the region, fear that any anti-election activity by them would land them in further trouble, therefore, they are avoiding any direct confrontation with the ruling administration and want to keep a low profile this election season.
After the Pulwama attack, law enforcement agencies have struck down hard on separatists by taking hundreds of them in custody and seizing their assets and exposing sources of their funding.
Speaking on the current situation, a separatist leader in the valley said that they are in tremendous pressure and does not want to be at loggerheads with the government. Many of their leaders are in jail, after the recent crackdown and those who are out fear that they can be questioned or summoned any day, therefore keeping a low profile and not calling for boycotting the elections would be a safe move.
Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani said, "Elections are an integral part of any democratic process, but here there is not even a trace of any democratic values. No sane citizen of this state, belonging to any region or religion, is satisfied with the ground situation of this land. Death and destruction and political instability has led to such a chaotic scenario. A vast and forceful military operation even if covered under the carpet of elections, can in no way hide its venomous character".
Meanwhile, in a change from regular, green colour replaced the saffron in one of BJP's candidate poll advertisement from Kashmir's Srinagar parliamentary constituency. BJP's Khalid Jehangir, who is contesting the election from Srinagar constituency, poll advertisement was witnessed in green hue rather than the party's usual saffron. The message in the advertisement was written in English and Urdu language. Not only this, but party's Lotus symbol was also shown in white colour instead of saffron.
Speaking on the issue, BJP said that they don't believe in colours and poeple should not too much read on the use of green colour in party's advertisements. BJP believes in all religion and secularism.
Jammu and Kashmir, which is having 6 parliamentary seats, will vote in five phases.
Below is the breakdown of Lok Sabha election schedule in J&K
April 11 (Phase 1): Baramulla and Jammu
April 18 (Phase 2): Srinagar and Udhampur
Anantnag will vote in 3 phases — 3rd (April 23), 4th (April 29) and 5th (May 6)
May 6 (Phase 5): Ladakh
