Assembly polls in J

Srinagar, Jun 18 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony has asserted that the forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be the most free and fair.

The government of India was committed to holding the polls in in a free, fair and transparent manner, Mr Antony said at a high-level meeting here last evening.

He said there were forces within and outside the country that do not want peaceful, free and fair elections in the state to take place.

''These forces could try to disrupt peace and create problems. Therefore, we will have to be more vigilant and ready to meet any eventuality,'' he underlined.

On Human Rights (HR), he reiterated the Prime Minister's commitment to zero tolerance on HR violations and said there would be no compromise on that.

Mr Antony said the situation in the state has improved a lot and massive developmental activities were going on under Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's leadership.

He said the central government was fully assisting the state government in its agenda for development.

Peace and stability being prerequisite for development, the army and security forces were performing their duties excellently for maintaining peace in the state.

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