Kashmiri separatist challenges India vote boycott

[Coventina]

Source: AFP

BARAMULLA, India (AFP) — A leading Kashmiri separatist broke ranks with his movement on Wednesday by contesting a seat in the revolt-hit Indian region, defying a long-standing policy of boycotting general elections.

Sajad Lone defended his decision to go where no anti-India leader has gone before, even though he has been denounced by some in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley as an opportunistic turncoat.

"I am doing the right thing for the people of Kashmir, for the people I represent. But now with this vote I can say I am a leader because of the people and not because of India, not because of Pakistan," he told reporters.

"Today this is the start of the evolution of true Kashmiri nationalist leadership," he said.

Separatist groups have called for a boycott of the polls, arguing that elections are a tool used by New Delhi to legitimise Indian rule over the hotly-disputed region.






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