Time needed for restoration of peoples' confidence, PDP to CEC

Srinagar, Oct 8 (UNI) Urging the Election Commission (EC) not to rush into assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, the People Democratic Party (PDP) said though some measures were taken by the Centre, much more needed to be done on the ground for mass participation in the process.

The PDP delegation, headed by party president Mehbooba Mufti, during the meeting with the three-member EC, headed by N Gopalaswami, here today said the main objective of holding elections was to give people a government of their choice.

However, we have informed the delegation that holding elections now would undermine the entire process, a member of the PDP delegation Nizam Uddin Bhat told UNI.

We cannot expect mass participation of people in the process, he said, adding the elections, if held, could never be credible.

There was already political instability in the state, but the recent crisis in the valley and Jammu have added to the communal divide.

Mr Bhat said they have informed the CEC that a number of measures were announced by the Centre, including opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for trade, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's announcement in the UN that all issues, including Kashmir, would be resolved.

However, people have to see some change on the ground before they are invited for any process, he said.

The PDP delegation has informed the CEC that some political initiatives have to be taken before going for polls. The initiatives included reduction of troops, release of detenues, package for youth who shun the path of violence and families who suffered during all these years of turmoil.

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