Socio-religious group Jama’at Islami says it would expel members if the charges of them voting during the ongoing state elections in the disputed Kashmir region are proven.
The Jama’at, which contested polls in the region till 1987 elections were massively rigged by local Indian government, has been accused of aiding some pro India groups since the elections in 1996 and filing proxy candidates.
The chief of the organization Mohammad Abdullah Wani had ahead of the polls said elections would never be substitute to the right of self determination. He had asked people to boycott the elections being held for 87 member state assembly.
Wani says his group which has a wide grass-root support and cadre has already intimated to its members to remain away from the poll. “We have sent a clear message to our cadre that they should not participate in elections and neither should they vote. When says election has nothing to do with the poll process, how could it take part?” he questions.
He says if the reports that JeI cadre in north and other parts of Kashmir valley had voted are correct, then the organization would not be the mute spectator over this ‘grave issue’. “JeI would take disciplinary action against any of its registered member who has taken part in the poll. We will take action against those of our registered members who have voted. So far we have not received any complaint, if we receive we will take action,” Wani said.
Reports earlier some Jama’at cadres have taken part in voting and would be instrumental in making a certain political parties to win.
