Everybody who is ‘normally’ in J&K can register as a voter

Anyone living "normally" in J&K can apply to become a voterA By Sheikh Qayoom Jammu 17 Aug : In an important development in the city this Wednesday Hirdesh Kumar, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) of J&K, declared that any person who lives "ordinarily in the UT can become a registered voter and cast a vote in the upcoming Assembly elections".

At a press conference in J&K on Wednesday Kumar declared, "After the repeal of Article 370, there is no requirement for being permanently resident of J&K to register as an elector "Anybody who is residing in the area to work, study or business may become an elector and votes in the Assembly elections.

" The CEO has stated that the UT is likely to see 25 lakh voters register for the first time in the UT.The decision will have a profound impact for the future of the local political parties.Reacting to the news, Sajad Lone, President of Peoples Conference, tweeted, "This is dangerous.

Im not sure what they are trying to accomplish.This is far more than just a prank.Democracy is a thing of the past particularly in the context of Kashmir.Remember 1987.

Were not yet from the ashes of that.Dont repeat 1987.Its as disastrous.

" "Is the BJP so unsure of its the support of genuine people of J&K that it has to bring in temporary voters to gain seats? None of these measures will benefit the BJP when the citizens of J&K are allowed to exercise their right to vote," said National Conference leader and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.A different ex- CM as well as Peoples Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Muft tweeted: "GoIs decision to defer elections in J&K followed by a sloppy gerrymandering scheme that tilts the balance in the direction of BJP.The reason for the decision to allow non-locals to vote is clearly to influence the results of elections.The real goal is to keep the rule of J&K with an iron hand in order to weaken locals." sq/arm .