Srinagar, Dec 22): With People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration wining or leading counting of votes for the 280 District Development Council constituencies in J&K, former chief minister and national conference president Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the people have now spoken and it was for those who believe in democracy to pay heed to these voices.

“The trends that have emerged in the DDC polls in J&K are very encouraging for the @JKPAGD. The BJP had made this election a prestige issue about Art 370 & J&K’s special status. The people have now spoken & it’s for those who believe in democracy to pay heed to these voices,” Omar tweeted.

The PAGD, he said is an alliance that emerged “out of the betrayal of the people of J&K on 5th Aug 2019.”

“We have faced every obstacle – illegal detentions, agency threats & pressures, our candidates were locked up to stop them campaigning & from all this we are emerging victorious,” he said in another tweet, adding, “All of us in the @JKPAGD are deeply indebted & grateful to the people of J&K for your support at this critical juncture. We reaffirm our commitment to use all democratic & legal weapons at our disposal to continue to fight for our rights.”