Dear Editor,
This refers to the editorial, “Democracy wins in J and K” . The high turnout in the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election is a triumph for democracy.
There has been a heartening trend towards high voter turnout at polling booths across India, beginning from the general election. In J and K, neither terror nor weather could halt the people in their tracks.
The voters put behind them the sad memories of their personal losses following the floods, and went to vote. This is enough indication of their willing participation in the democratic process. The record 71 per cent votes polled may also mean that the people are disenchanted with the incumbent Omar Abdullah Government.
One can never underestimate the energetic role of the Election Commission which has given the Indian voters a sense of confidence. One hopes that the rest of the phases in the State also see an impressive turnout.
Ganapathi Bhat
Akola