Castigating the India media for ‘overplaying’ the high voter turnout in Kashmir, the president of main opposition Peoples Democratic Party Mehboob Mufti blamed them for the militant attacks that left over 21 people dead on Friday.
Speaking to a Mumbai-based English news channel, Mehbooba said: “I condemn the way media for the way they have reported the high voter turnout in Kashmir.”
The initial two rounds of balloting in the violence-ridden state have seen heavy voter turnout, which has been described as a victory for democracy and the people’s answer to militants’ bullets, by the Indian press. The militants struck at four places four days ahead of the third round of voting.
Mehbooba told the news channel: I don’t know why you people are talking about the poll percentage all the time. I also blame the media because they have been highlighting this voter turnout like anything.. like mad people…. People are sick of the present government and they want change but the media has been overplaying this voter turnout.”
She added: “Every time you report Hurriyat ko thapad mara (Hurriyat has been slapped), anti national elements have been slapped. People want a change in government…. you make people scapegoats and I hold media responsible for the attacks.”
