Abandon poll boycott or face BJP win in Sopore: NC candidate to Geelani

SRINAGAR: National Conference MLA and its candidate for Sopore constituency in north Kashmir, Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie, on Monday pleaded with Syed Ali Geelani to withdraw his call for election boycott. He said it would be a major setback for the separatist hawk, should BJP bag Sopore on the strength of migrant voters.
"I appeal to Geelani sahab to reconsider his boycott call in Sopore.He is an influential leader and people support him. Major portions of Sopore will boycott elections on his call," Ganaie said in a statement. He pointed out that a BJP victory in Sopore would prompt the national media to give it a negative spin.
Ganaie also said his movements in Sopore are restricted. The people, in particular the youth, are not interested in elections and the "pro-freedom mood" has prevented him from launching door-to-door campaigns in Sopore, he said.
Sopore remains the hub of militancy in Kashmir and security forces have been closely monitoring the activities of several madrassas that are being supported from across the border.
"We have alerted higher authorities and sought action against these madrassas but no response was forthcoming," a police officer said. He acknowledged the dubious role of the Madrassas and their role as breeding grounds for militants in the region.