Budgam, Mar 24 (KNS): Observing that the ensuing Parliamentary elections have provided a golden opportunity to defeat communal forces, Chairman PDF Hakeem Yaseen has asked the electorate to be cautious that their vote does not get divided which may benefit opportunistic and fringe elements.

Addressing a series of public meetings during his extensive tour to various areas in Khansahib constituency, Hakeem Yaseen said that the people of the state should present a joint face against divisive forces and inflict a crushing defeat to the divisive forces as also to those who have bartered with the aspirations of the people of the state for from time to time for their petty interests.

Hakeem Yaseen said need of the hour was to ensure that people’s mandate does not get fragmented which would benefit communal and divisive forces. He said under these conditions, one fails to understand that why some political parties of the state have decided to go for friendly contests which may cause division of votes only.

Hakeem Yaseen has also criticized the present central and state governments for banning JKLF and Jamaat-e-Islami in the state at the time of elections adding that it has severely dented and diluted the sanctity of democratic values.

Saying that in democracy every citizen has a right to express his views and ideas, Hakeem Yaseen said that Center should stop ongoing curbs and arrest spree on different political groups and activists to give a meaning to the electoral process. He has urged the Centre and Governor administration to provide a secure and free environment the electorate and every contestant to exercise their franchise. (KNS)