Democracy derailed in Pakistan, non-existent in PoK: JK Guv

Srinagar, May 15 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today expressed the hope that self-rule proposal would be implemented in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying democracy has been derailed in the neighbouring country, choked in across the Line of Control (LoC) and totally non-existent in Northern Areas of Gilgit and Baltistan.

Inaugurating the fifth All India State Election Commissioners Conference here this morning, he said Jammu and Kashmir, having a special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, enjoyed greater democracy and self-rule than any other state in the country.

''To me, self-rule and democracy are synonymous. The demand for self-rule in Jammu and Kashmir has a little meaning,'' Gen Sinha said while referring to the proposal being floated in Kashmir these days.

However, he said self-rule could be further improved as in the case of devolution of powers to the grassroots level.

''We wish the self-rule gets introduced in the neighbouring country and in areas of our state in its illegal occupation,'' the Governor said.

''Democracy has been derailed in the mainland of the neighbouring country, choked in PoK and totally non-existent in Northern Areas of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will certainly welcome the self-rule there,'' he added.

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