SRINAGAR: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Thursday appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

She said the forthcoming polls are not being fought for roads, water and electricity but for restoration of dignity, which is being frequently assaulted by New Delhi after August 05, 2019.

Mehbooba was speaking to reporters in south Kashmir's Anantnag where she filed nomination papers for the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary seat. She urged people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote for restoration of dignity.

"Today's election is not being contested for roads, electricity or water, but are being fought for restoration of identity, dignity, return of resources and power projects, and rights on land & employment," she said.

She said the Jammu and Kashmir has been turned into an open air jail and people of the region are being made like laborers, however it won't be allowed.

"It is our land and we have right on our employment opportunities. We won't allow assault on our identity, dignity and future," Mehbooba said.

She at the occasion appealed to people do not boycott polls this time, and expose elements who try to sabotage smooth conduct of voting.

"They tried to make people ready for boycott in south Kashmir. I want to appeal people of Jammu and Kashmir to do not boycott this time, and come forward for voting, so that elements behind the curtains should be exposed," Mehbooba added.