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Soz repeats plea for probe into Baramulla rigging

Former Union minister and expelled National Conference leader Saifuddin Soz today demanded a probe into large-scale rigging in Baramulla constituency by prominent individuals.

Talking to newsmen in New Delhi, Prof Soz, whose vote resulted in the fall of the Vajpayee government, said the group should probe into what has gone wrong in Kashmir, and criticised the Election Commission for not responding to complaints of rigging in Srinagar. "My strong plea for repoll in booths that were captured by the Sarkari militants went unheeded even though all complaints were fully substantiated."

The commission's decision to ignore rigging complaints has further alienated the Kashmiris from the national mainstream, Dr Soz said. The people openly criticise the commission for its double standards, he added, and said it was dangerous to leave the people of the state alone at this critical juncture with a feeling of deep hurt.

He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of working hand in glove with the state government in rigging the elections in Baramulla and Srinagar constituencies. Dr Soz said the polling booths were captured by the special police officers and surrendered militants.

UNI

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