Are separatists winning perception battle?

* Home * News * Srinagar Lok Sabha by-elections 2017 low turnout: Are separatists winning perception battle? THE ALL TIME WORST VOTER TURNOUT NOT ONLY EXPOSED THE INCOMPETENCE OF

PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)-BHARATIYA JANATA PARTY (BJP) COALITION GOVERNMENT IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR, BUT ALSO MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE FEELING OF ALIENATION HAS RISEN UNDER THE MODI

GOVERNMENT. SRINAGAR, APR 10: The bypoll to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir was marred by widespread violence that resulted in deaths of eight civilians. Amid

clashes between security forces and protesters and attack on polling stations, democracy took a severe beating in the Valley with the poor turnout. It was recorded  7.14 percent — the lowest

in the state in three decades. Notably, separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik had asked people to stay away from the

electoral exercise. The low voter turnout in the Srinagar bypolls sends out an alarming message to Chief Minister Mehbboba Mufti led Jammu and Kashmir government and Prime Minister Narendra

Modi-led central government. The Srinagar bypoll was the first after the five-month long unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, triggered by the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in

July last year.  The poor turnout reflects poor on local administration and even Election Commission for it may have failed to hold the election in free and fair manner. Security threats may

have led people to stay away from the polling booths in the wake of the boycott call by the separatists in the Valley. However, Mahbooba Mufit-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-Bharatiya

Janata Party (BJP) coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir has failed to control the ever worsening law and order situation in the Valley. It calls for soul-searching for the chief

minister of the state as our enemies across the border will seize this opportunity to fan anti-India sentiments in the Valley. Centre’s efforts to restore confidence and counter the

anti-India elements in the state has yielded little.  Apart from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, separatists in the Valley also have a major influence on young minds who turn stone-pelters on

their call. The government needs a plan on keeping away young and impressionable Kashmiris from separatists’ traps. The regime change at the Centre and state didn’t offer anything useful to

Jammu and Kashmir. PM Modi was expected to blow the winds of change, but nothing changed on the ground. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should help Kashmiris get ”azadi’ from poverty,

unemployment, and fear of living under threats to life. IAS toppers like Shah Faesal and Athar Amirul Shafi Khan could be an example for young minds getting opportunities to make it big and

be able to become an agent of change in society. But these are only two examples, the big question is: How can a big number of youths take their example? Peace, and not violence can solve

any problem as goes the adage–Violence begets violence. So, let there be peace. _DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this article are personal opinions of the author. The facts and

opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of India.com and the organisation does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same._ ALSO READ: