by Yawar Hussain
SRINAGAR: National Conference Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said democracy is being “prevented to prosper in Kashmir” by BJP led central government as they are forcefully making candidates to join either BJP or Apni Party.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Omar alleged that the police and state administration was being employed to make elected PAGD and Independent candidates join the BJP or Apni Party.
Playing an audio recording, Omar alleged that the NC DDC candidate from Shopian was forced to join Apni Party because her husband’s brother was picked up by the police.
“They told him that his brother would be freed only when his wife (NC candidate) would join Apni Party,” Omar said.
He said two NC leaders from Shopian have been put under detention but in reality, they are preventing democracy on the ground.
“These people weren’t even detained post-August 5,” he said.
He said anti-defection law should apply here as well because that lawas applies even to Panchayats.
