Archives

NEW DELHI, Wednesday (AFP) Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes said any attempts by Islamic militants to disrupt the upcoming Kashmir elections would be thwarted and added that voters were unlikely to heed the boycott call by separatists.

"Kashmiris are steeped in politics. They are aware of the significance of the current polls and given such a situation, we expect a good turnout," Fernandes said at a ceremony at the prestigious Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis.

"All the protection security forces can provide will be there for candidates, voters and officials and staff for the conduct of elections," he said.

Fernandes said militants had been unable to dissuade voters from participating in local council polls last year to elect village heads despite violence.

Militants have already started targeting pro-India political workers, in particular activists of the ruling National Conference party.

Hardline militant groups have called for a boycott of the polls which they say would not help in bringing peace to the state, where an armed insurgency since 1989 has claimed 36,500 lives.

Some Kashmiri militant groups are demanding the Muslim-majority state join neighbouring Pakistan while others want an independent homeland. 

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager