In view of violence during the polling in Srinagar yesterday, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today appealed to the Election Commission to postpone the Lok Sabha by-poll in the Anantnag constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.

Anantnag constituency, spread over four districts of Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian and Anantnag, is scheduled to go to polls on Wednesday. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s brother Tasaduq Mufti, who is making his political debut from Anantnag, a family stronghold, said the state government had written to the poll panel from time to time that the situation was not conducive for holding elections in Kashmir at the moment. Mr Mufti said he was willing to withdraw from the contest if it helps defer the polls.

Eight people were yesterday killed in poll related violence during the by-poll for Srinagar Lok Sabha seat. The polling saw the voter turnout plunge to an all-time low of 7.14 per cent.

Meanwhile, two government school buildings were set on fire by miscreants last night in Shopian and Pulwama districts in south Kashmir. The schools were designated as polling stations for the Wednesday’s by-poll to Ananatnag Lok Sabha constituency.

Addressing a press conference, Tasaduq Mufti said said his party has already sent a communication to the Election Commission of India seeking postponement of the election. He said the situation was not conducive for polls in view of yesterday’s situation across Srinagar Budgam parliamentary constituency. Tasaduq said in a democracy people cannot be forced to vote or boycott. Chief electoral Officer yesterday said polling for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency will be a challenging task.

Former chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted that Tasaduq’s statement is condemnation of his sister Mehbooba Mufti’s government & its abject failure. Election Commission has not reacted to the PDP demand so far.