Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (HC), boycotting the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, on September 24 said that the polling recorded in some areas of the state reflected religious beliefs of people and had nothing to do with the political future.

"The boycott of polls observed in Kashmir has once again demonstrated that people are not interested in elections but (are concerned for) right to self determination," a spokesman of the 23-party amalgam told reporters.

He said the ensuing elections will not decide the political future of Jammu and Kashmir.

"In Budgam, polls were cast due to peoples' religious beliefs. In Kangan, it was due to ethnic beliefs, which have no political implications," the spokesman said.

He claimed that in Handwara, polling was a verdict in favour of "independence for Kashmir".

"On the whole, people of Jammu and Kashmir exhibited political maturity in staying away from the so-called elections," he added.

PTI