The first phase of local body elections in J&K starts October 8 but there’s no campaigning, no door-to-door canvassing, no poll rally in the Valley. Even the names of candidates who have filed nomination papers or their political affiliations are not being disclosed. Officials cite “security reasons” for the veil of secrecy over the conduct of the “faceless” poll process, especially in the troubled south of the Valley. They say disclosure of candidate details will make them vulnerable to threats, even endanger lives. So far, 851 candidates have filed nomination…
Read MoreNo Names, No Faces, No Campaign: Secrecy drapes Kashmir Valley local polls
