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J&K governor differs from state parties, wants separate Lok Sabha and assembly polls

Sources in J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik's office cite security concerns, particularly after the 14 February Pulwama terror attack.

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Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik is in favour of separate parliamentary and assembly elections, sources in his administration, privy to his views, have told ThePrint.

A source in the governor’s administration said the governor seeks separate elections primarily because of security issues.

“The governor holds the view that Lok Sabha elections should be held first and then, maybe after two months, assembly elections can be held,” the source said. “Also, if the LS elections are to be held, then it should be scheduled during the last leg. This would give time for induction of additional paramilitary forces that will be required.”

The source added that the governor is of the view that by the time parliamentary elections are over in the state, there will be an adequate number of security forces on the ground. “If the assembly elections are held after two months, there will be enough time to add more security forces, if required.”

The governor’s stance goes against the one held by mainstream parties in the state, representatives of which have told a team from the Election Commission of India that they wanted elections to be held simultaneously.

The ECI team, led by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, had visited the state on Monday and Tuesday and had met all stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, district administration and security establishment, to review the poll preparedness in J&K.

J&K is under President’s rule, which was recommended by Governor Satya Pal Malik in December 2018. Under the law, elections to the state assembly have to be held within six months of President’s rule.


Also read: One solution governor Satya Pal Malik failed to consider in Jammu and Kashmir


Latest tension adds to security concerns

While there were indications that the state administration was earlier veering towards holding simultaneous elections, the 14 February terror attack in Pulwama, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, followed by the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan appear to have changed that.

“There was a lot of tension on the ground,” said a senior J&K police officer who did not want to be named. “It escalated further with the Centre arresting Hurriyat leaders and banning the Jamaat-e-Islami. But the situation is under control now.”

The officer said that barring south Kashmir, the condition in rest of the state is currently stable and conducive for holding elections.

But additional forces will be required to hold polls, another senior CRPF official, who did not want to be named, told ThePrint. “To conduct the elections, 600 companies will be required on the ground,” the official said. “We have already given our recommendation.”

At present, 100 companies of paramilitary forces, including from the CRPF and the BSF, are deployed in Kashmir.


Also read: ‘Home is home, why can’t govt find solution’ — Kashmiris driven to shelters by LoC firing


 

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1 COMMENT

  1. Safety and security are paramount. Dr Farooq Abdullah was elected with 7% turnout. Anantnag has been without an MP for the last three years. The recent panchayat / local body elections saw very low turnout. A wasted half decade for the Valley.

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