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| Struggle for democracy gains momentum in Kashmir | | Snub to Geelani | | Rustam
Jammu, Oct 21: At a time when Pakistani agents like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and others of his ilk are opposing electoral and democratic exercises and shamelessly saying that participation of Kashmiri Muslims in such exercises do not mean that they have faith in the Indian political system and they are for India, a very positive development unfolded in the Valley on Monday. The case in point is the establishment of a new political party in Kashmir and the manner in which the founders of this party condemned those calling for poll boycott to promote their vested interests.
On Monday, the party styled as Jammu and Kashmir Tahreek-i-Haq (JKTH) was founded with doctor and prominent civil society member Mohammad Ashraf Bhat as its founder president. Announcing the formation of the JKTH, the founders of the party said that their objective is to provide an alternative to the "mainstream" political parties. He tore into those who call for boycott of elections and say these exercises were "illegitimate". He said that his party stood for the promotion of democracy in the state.
"Boycott of elections is an unnatural exercise. It is illegitimate. Even if there is maximum boycott and only a little percentage of people vote, the government gets formed. So, the people have to see if it benefits them," Bhat was quoted as saying. He did not stop just there. He further said: "We want the democracy to flourish here in true essence. Politicians and bureaucrats are servants of the people and not a power. Why call them honourable and VVIPs?"
Bhat is chairman of the Forum Against Social Evils (FASE) and it was established way back in 2006. Explaining away the reasons which motivated him and his associates to form a political party, Bhat said: "We want to fight obscenity and moral waywardness in the society, corruption and injustice. But under the present circumstances, it is not possible. So, we decided to enter the political fray and provide a popular alternative to the people of Kashmir".
Of course, he, like J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said that the time was not opportune for holding the assembly elections at this point in time as the flood caused extensive damage, but his open attack on those who give poll boycott calls did constitute a positive development. The efforts of the likes of Bhat needed to be appreciated, as we need such persons in the Valley for defeating the anti-democratic forces in the Valley. |
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