Abdullah was citing a tweet from the head of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti. Mufti has also claimed that non-BJP candidates are not allowed to campaign “freely”.
“BJP and their representatives have full bandobast to move,” Mufti tweeted.
The allegations come just nine days before the District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir, as the center issued orders to relocate an additional 25,000 security personnel to the Union Territory. The Indian Express reported.
J&K police remove the candidates as soon as they submit the nomination papers. This is being done due to the perception of a threat to their lives, the report added.
However, a senior official told the newspaper that only those who have sought protection are housed in safe spaces. But the candidates say their movement has been restricted against their wishes.
Additional troops from CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB have been deployed to the Valley for security reasons. Sources in the national capital told the newspaper that it was done after concerns were raised about attempts to disrupt the electoral process.
The first phase of the DDC elections will take place on November 28, 167 candidates are in the fray from 10 Valley districts. In the second phase, 227 candidates have submitted their nomination.
(With input from The Indian Express)
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