Srinagar: A week after launching ‘Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement’, Shah Faesal on Saturday said he won’t contest the upcoming Parliamentary polls and instead will focus on Assembly elections.
Reacting over Government of India’s banning Yasin Malik’s Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Faesal said that he won’t be surprised even if mainstream parties are banned too.
He added that banning of JKLF would “further shrink” democratic space. “I will not be surprised even if mainstream parties are too banned here. There are people who brought these forces here who wanted to change the secular fabric,” he said.
Moreover, Faesal added that his party won’t contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls and will instead focus on strengthening the newly launched political outfit.
“People across the state are joining us. We don’t want to participate hurriedly in polls and instead will strengthen our party for assembly polls,” Faesal said.
Lawyer Iqbar Tahir and journalist Chasfeeda Shah on the occasion joined the party.
“Our decision not to contest Lok Sabha polls is a response to those who accused that our party was planted by the Centre for electoral manipulation,” he said.
Asked to which party Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Movement would support in upcoming Lok Sabha polls, he replied, “We will tell you that later to whom our cadre will support. Democracy is important institution and people shall participate in polls. Assembly elections are very critical for our state.”
Condemning the custodial killing of Awantipora youth, Faesal demanded that those responsible for his “killing” shall be arrested. “Judicial enquiry shall also be conducted to unveil the facts,” he said.
He also condemned the killing of 12-year-old boy of Hajin before being held hostage. “Human rights violations have to be stopped,” he said.
(With inputs from KNS)
