NO COERCION BY ARMY IN J&K ELECTIONS

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Attention of the Ministry has been drawn to reports appearing in a section of media alleging Army forcing people for voting in few places in Handwara, Pattan and Kupwara constituencies in Kashmir Valley.

These reports have been based not on eyewitnesses account but on hearsay generated by vested interests who have been attempting to disrupt the democratic process in Jammu & Kashmir. The Army has been tasked to provide a general environment of security during the elections and Army personnel have scrupulously adhered to their brief by remaining neutral and non partisan. They have not resorted to coercing anyone at any place for voting.

The unverified and malicious reports being fed to the media are aimed at discrediting the elections for which the people of Jammu & Kashmir have shown genuine enthusiasm.