Srinagar: The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has called for a shutdown in areas going to polls in the fifth phase of Panchayat elections on Thursday.

In a statement, JRL comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik have asked people to observe a complete protest shutdown in Langate, Wavoora, Sogam, Aloosa, Zainyeer, Sherabad Khore, Lalpora, Sherpathri, Khag, S.K. Pora, Litter, Tral, K-Ullar, Ramnagri, Frisal, Behibagh, K.Pora, D. Pora going to polls tomorrow.

“JRL asked people to demonstrate their total rejection and disregard of this futile exercise by staying away and boycotting it completely,” said the statement.

They said the “sham” elections were being thrust on the people by the “authoritarian state.”