SRINAGAR: Omar Abdullah, former chief minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President, has attributed the delay in Jammu and Kashmir elections to the current government and the Election Commission of India, stating that delimitation is merely an excuse.
During a conversation with reporters on the sidelines of a Pattan function, he emphasised that the delimitation process should have commenced in 2022 and concluded by now to facilitate timely elections.
However, he added that the process is being used as a tool to intentionally prolong the election timeline.
Omar highlighted that the government’s claims of establishing a 3-tier democracy in Jammu and Kashmir are unfounded, asserting that not even a single tier remains.
Expressing concern, he mentioned a fear that authorities might find other reasons to keep Parliamentary elections away from J&K, stating that democracy seemingly ends at Lakhanpur.
“They have made a mockery of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s very unfortunate that the election commission of India is also responsible for the same. We fail to understand why they don’t have that much courage to hold the elections,” Omar stated. “They should announce the election dates in Jammu and Kashmir and should give people their right to express their voices.”
Discussing the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, Omar revealed that they have taken the matter to the Supreme Court and are awaiting the verdict, expressing hope that the decision would be in the interest of the people of Kashmir.
Addressing party workers, Omar emphasized the need to monitor elements within the party attempting to weaken it. “It must be our prime responsibility to have a vigil on these elements who don’t respect the party workers. They should not be let in at any cost,” he added.
Regarding Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, Omar asserted that Bukhari cannot speak against the BJP, of which he is a part. He questioned why Bukhari was not detained in 2019 when other political leaders were under detention and urged him to reveal the secret. Omar also challenged Bukhari to explain his role in the Tangmarg unrest in 2010.
“Conspiracy against a Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir is not new. It started way back during Sher-e-Kashmir in 1953. Let us talk about 1984 also,” he added. (KNO)
