Omar criticizes EC, regrets SC has to issue directions for J&K Assembly elections

MASROOR AHMAD

SRINAGAR: National Conference Vice President and Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday criticised the Election Commission of India, saying it was very sad that Supreme Court had to intervene and issue directions for Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
While addressing media persons in Srinagar, Omar said, “As we say that India is a mother of democracy but it is unfortunate that we are doing its murder in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Hitting out at the Centre, Omar said it is unfortunate that instead of making efforts for holding assembly polls in J&K, the Supreme Court had to intervene and pass directions in this regard. “It is sad that Supreme Court had to intervene and pass directions on J&K’s Assembly elections, instead Election Commission was duty bound for announcing schedule and holding polls in the region,” Omar Abdullah said. He said government should have taken up the matter of delimitation process prior to the end of tenure for ULB, Panchayat and Assembly.
“This should have been resolved and sorted out before five-six months when it was evident that the term for ULB, Panchayat and other bodies will come to an end after five or six months,” he said.
To a query, Omar Abdullah replied that there have been no discussions yet on fielding candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. “The party leadership will sit and deliberate upon to field a best candidate for Parliamentary elections from J&K,” he added.
Regarding Ratle Power Project electricity transfer, he said, National Conference strongly condemns the 40 year agreement of Ratle electricity transfer to Rajasthan, describing it as resource plunder. He vowed to pursue all avenues, including legal recourse, if necessary to reclaim our electricity.