People in jails used to split votes in Kashmir, alleges PDP chief

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday raised serious concerns about the alleged selective treatment of those in jails during the current political climate in Kashmir.
She claimed that some prisoners are being used to influence the vote while others are denied basic rights such as meeting their families.
Speaking to reporters after addressing party workers in Chandgam, Pulwama, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President said, “While many families are not allowed to visit their loved ones in jail, some people are allowed to run election campaigns from behind bars and are even given security protection.”
Mufti alleged that one of her party members was attacked by workers loyal to a jailed person, yet the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a notice to the PDP candidate instead of taking action against the attacker. “This clearly indicates a biased approach,” she said.
Criticising the political environment in Jammu & Kashmir, Mehbooba said the PDP has always been focused on the region’s development. “Our party has focused on infrastructure projects such as roads, universities, colleges and AIIMS, as well as job creation initiatives,” she said.
The former CM added, “The success of PDP has made other parties nervous, pushing them to seek public apologies and acknowledge their shortcomings. People will vote for PDP as they know the party had taken big developmental projects in a short span of time and provided employment opportunities to thousands of people.”