Neglected villagers decide to boycott polls in J-K

Reasi (J-K), Apr 22 (ANI): As mark of protest against lack of development in their region, villagers residing in Reasi district of Jammu have decided to boycott the polls.

They are complaining of lack of proper roads and basic facilities like drinking water, electricity and health services.

They say that the politicians only come asking for their votes but once the elections are over, they hardly pay any attention to their woes.

"By boycotting the polls, we want to send across the message to the Central Government that they have to take notice of the bad condition of our region and work towards the development of our region before the elections.

They should provide us with drinking water facilities, electricity, health facilities and schools for our children," said Haji Abdul Rashid, a resident.

The voters said they would continue to boycott the polls till the time the government work for the development of the region.

"We have not benefited by the polls. Till now, we used to vote regularly, but did not gain anything out of it. So we have decided not to cast votes. We will continue to boycott polls till the time the government works for our development," said Dileep Singh, another resident.

The boycott by the residents could have an adverse effect on the outcome of the polls.

Reasi would go to polls on April 23 in the second-phase of the five-phased general elections. (ANI)