September 17, 2002	Tuesday	Rajab 9, 1423

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MUZAFFARABAD, Sept 16: The Muttahida Jihad Council has praised the people of occupied Kashmir for boycotting the election drama.

The chairman of the 15-member alliance of the Kashmiri Mujahideen groups, Syed Salahuddin, in a statement on Monday said that the boycott of the election should serve as an eye opener and India should accept the Kashmiris right to self determination.

He said a complete strike was observed and the polling stations remained deserted despite strong pressure by the Indian army and held Kashmir’s puppet administration.

Mr Salahuddin said: “The boycott is a referendum against India. Now the international community and the world powers must accept the Kashmiris’ decision and exert pressure on India to accede to their basic right.”

The MJC chief said that even the reported “one or two per cent” turnout from certain areas was unreliable in the presence of more than 750,000 troops.

The Kashmiri leader asserted that they have received reports that army personnel had conducted voting at gunpoint and the people had openly complained against the treatment.

Mr Salahuddin said: “The leadership of the Mujahideen is with the people of Kashmir and will accelerate the resistance movement against the occupation forces.”