J-K: Hizbul posters call for poll boycott

Threat posters asking voters to refrain from voting have appeared in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian areas. The printed posters, composed in Urdu, warn people against attending political rallies ahead of the state assembly elections.

Threat posters asking voters to refrain from voting have appeared in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian areas. The printed posters, composed in Urdu, warn people against attending political rallies ahead of the state assembly elections.

The authenticity of the posters could not be confirmed, as the posters have been printed on a plain paper with Hizbul Mujahideen’s stamp. “We appeal to people to not participate in the upcoming elections as it will amount to betrayal of the martyrs,” the poster warns.

“We warn people to stay away from poll rallies, especially women and children”, it read. The poster also warns people of dire consequences in case they fail to comply. While police did not confirm the appearance of the poster, senior PDP leader and Pulwama MLA Mohammad Khalil Bandh said the posters should not be a deterrent.

“We can’t confirm whether the posters are from militants or other elements but I appeal to people to foil the bid of these elements,” Bandh said, urging people to cast their votes.