Another jolt to early polls in Kashmir, ANC opposes the move

Srinagar, Sep 21 (UNI) Holding of early General Assembly Elections in the Jammu and Kashmir received another major jolt when the Awami National Conference (ANC) headed by former Chief Minister Ghulam Mohammad Shah said the situation was not conducive for such an exercise.

Without naming anyone, ANC General secretary advocate Mir Mohammad Shafi said those showing impatience towards holding of elections, ignoring the ground realities and peoples sentiments should bear in mind that it is 2008 today and not 1996 or 2003.

In a statement here today, Mr Shafi said a lot of water has flown down Jehlum since then full of our blood.

''Repetition of 1996 or 2003 will not be allowed,'' he said and added '' we pity on the political parties looking upon New Delhi with a begging bowl in their hands with a only objective to grab power at any cost.'' The ANC General secretary which had earlier announced to take part in the polls, said elections or government formation are mere administrative matters and in no way affect the disputed nature of the Kashmir issue.

He said the present situation existing in the state is not conducive for electoral process and warned that such an exercise will have disastrous implications which can engulf the entire country.

He said the ANC deems it proper to desist from such an exercise as of now and instead recommends the immediate resumption of dialogue at all levels paving way for peace process to move forward and an early break through to the present crisis.

The ANC stands firm on the resolutions adopted by the United Nations towards the settlement of the Kashmir issue, he underlined.

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