Give Up Arms, Return to Family & Vote, Militant’s Brother Appeals from Polling Booth
Baramulla, May 20: In a heartfelt appeal, Rouf Ahmad Lone, the brother of an active Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant, urged his brother to surrender and return home. This plea was made after Rouf cast his vote in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency on Monday.
Rouf Ahmad Lone is the brother of Umar Lone, an LeT militant wanted in several militancy-related cases. Speaking to reporters in Pattan, in the north Kashmir district, Rouf emphasized the importance of voting and the potential for development that comes with participating in the democratic process.
“Voting is my right, so I cast my vote. I appeal to everybody to cast their vote as developmental works will take place after that. Come to the polling booths and don’t waste your vote,” Rouf stated, showing his inked finger as a mark of civic participation.
Rouf used the opportunity to directly address his brother Umar, urging him to abandon militancy and rejoin his family. “I appeal to my brother Umar to surrender (before security forces). If he does so, it will be much better, he will return to his mother and family,” he said, stressing the emotional and familial bonds.
This is not the first appeal made to Umar. In April, his mother also implored him to surrender, highlighting the ongoing efforts by his family to bring him back to a peaceful life. These appeals underscore the personal toll of militancy on families in the region.
Rouf’s public plea at a polling booth adds a poignant layer to the narrative of conflict in Kashmir, reflecting the desires of ordinary citizens for peace and stability. His act of voting serves as a powerful symbol of his belief in democratic processes and development.
The broader implications of Rouf’s appeal could influence other militants to reconsider their paths, seeing that their families desire their safe return. It also highlights the role of community and family in countering militancy.
As the elections continue in the region, Rouf’s message is a reminder of the personal stories behind the headlines, urging a shift from violence to peaceful engagement and participation in democratic processes.
