J&K: Hizbul threatens to kill those who vote

Indigenous militant outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen has threatened to “kill those who cast their votes” in the last phase of the Lok Sabha polls in Shopian and Pulwama districts of south Kashmir on May 6.

Posters were seen posted on several walls and electric poles in Shopian on Thursday carrying a warning by the Hizbul. The posters, according to locals, appeared in Nadpora, Karewa and adjoining villages in Shopian, which along with neighbouring Pulwama district is scheduled to vote on Monday for the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat.

The authenticity of the posters
could not be verified independently.

The authenticity of the posters could not be verified independently.

“We have information that Army might force you to cast votes. But everyone should understand that they need to make a choice. Those who cast vote on the polling day in Shopian will be killed,” the posters warned.

The poster has also asked parents to not send their wards to Army Goodwill Schools. “Our commander Riyaz Naikoo has told you time and again to desist from polls but some people don’t listen. The time is over now, we will act against them and put their videos in public,” it adds.

Owing to the prevailing security scenario in southern Kashmir, the Election Commission in an unprecedented move had decided to hold election for the single constituency in three phases. While polling was held in Anantnag district on April 23 and Kulgam on April 29, the voting for Pulwama and Shopian is scheduled on May 6.