‘Section 144 imposed in Pulwama, activists detained’, alleges Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: Ahead of voting for the newly created Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti alleged that authorities have imposed Section 144 in Pulwama district. Mehbooba Mufti is contesting from this seat. He described the development as “unprecedented” and alleged that his party workers were being detained. “Section 144 has been imposed in Pulwama district, which is unprecedented and has never happened before… PDP workers are being detained,” former chief minister Mehbooba told ANI. Mehbooba also took a dig at the Election Commission of India. “I do not understand why this election drama is being created if the Election Commission of India wants to repeat what happened in 1987…the entire government machinery is being used to support the proxy groups supported by them. Has been…, the PPD chief alleged. He further said, “A strange kind of atmosphere is being created. PDP workers are selectively called to the police station and harassed. 70-year-old party worker Azam Khan was recently detained. He Released after two days.” He also mentioned former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “He had announced from the Red Fort in 2002 that there would be free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri people are sticking to this letter of vote (democracy). If you want to rig the elections, we will step down and walk away Will go to compete”. Lok Sabha elections are to be held in the sixth phase on May 25 in Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency. There are a total of 5 Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir, which include Baramulla, Srinagar, Anantnag-Rajouri, Udhampur and Jammu. Voting is taking place in five phases in Jammu and Kashmir. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases, which will run from April 19 to June 1. Counting of votes and results will be declared on June 4.