JAMMU: Mainstream political parties in the Kashmir Valley are set to face tough competition in the coming bye-polls to the two Parliamentary seats of Srinagar and Anantnag if the nascent idea of fielding victims of pellet guns finally takes shape.
Though no formal decision has been taken by any one particular individual but on social media a healthy debate is raging on among the local residents who are keen on supporting a victim of pellet guns during the bye-polls to the two Parliamentary seats.
Those supporting the idea are of the opinion instead of boycotting the polls the local residents should come out in support of these candidates.
Seeking feedback from his followers an active member posted a message, “What about having pellet blinded Kashmiris stand up for Parliamentary bye – polls against pro – India candidates. One from Islamabad constituency and another for Srinagar constituency. Let this be the strategy instead of boycott. If they win, their presence will haunt Indian parliamentarians and if they lose which they will only through fraud and manipulation, it will still send out a message. The message of resilience and struggle. Your views please”.
In response some active members of the group claimed what if these candidates would meet the same fate as that of Irom Sharmila of Manipur.
Contesting such comments more optimistic members claimed, “We will not let it happen and actively campaign for them”.
If this idea would really take shape in the coming days it would not only make the ‘battle of ballot’ a tough one for the mainstream politicians but would also allow estranged Kashmiri population realise the importance of joining the mainstream even by rebelling against the well entrenched politicians.