J&K polls: A disappointment or a call for peace?

Are elections in J&K a rebuff to separatists or a farce?: There was a considerable enthusiasm among Kashmiri people to participate in the democratic process. It is sad that Pakistan is trying to violate the basic human rights of Kashmiri people to elect its leaders. The excesses committed by Indian security forces should be condemned, no doubt, but it does not give license to Pakistan to kill innocent people, says Afzal Durrani, Rajourie.

	Point >		Counterpoint>
	Pakistan: The first round of polling in J&K were a sheer disappointment. It exposed India. The turnout was low. There was an absolute bandh in the Valley following a boycott call given by the Hurriyat Conference against elections.		India: It is clear the people of Jammu and Kashmir want peace and are keen to live in harmony. The number of voters will go up in the remaining phases. More than half the state's most dangerous districts voted on the first phase.