By-election verdict is slap on separatist forces: Bhim Singh

Jammu, Apr 28 (UNI) People's verdict in the recent by-elections for the Jammu and Kashmir state assembly is a slap on the separatist and political forces, ''who did not believe in democratic values and indulge in double speak'', Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) supremo Bhim Singh said.

Addressing a press conference, Prof Singh said the results of by-elections are befitting reply to those polititians, who had been exploiting the innocent Kashmiris by ''showing Pakistani salt and green handkerchiefs'' to seek votes.

In an appeal to all the seperatists groups, including All Party Kashmir Hurriat Conference (APKHC) led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, to participate in the second round of Round Table Conference proposed to be held in Srinagar on May 25.

''There is no option left for these groups but to join in democratic process now, in view of people's verdict in elections'' Prof Singh said, adding if APKHC gets ready to participate in the democratic process the JKNPP will persuade Prime Minister to dissolve the House in the state and announce assembly elections.

UNI RKS VJ PC1828