Postpone Jammu Kashmir elections: NC

Srinagar, Nov 14: The National Conference (NC) has urged the Chief Election Commission (CEC) to postpone the ensuing Assembly elections in the Jammu Kashmir following inclement weather.

NC president Omar Abdullah on Friday, Nov 14 afternoon in a statement said, "the vagaries of weather will not permit the poll process to be conducted smoothly." He further said the electorate would not be able to exercise their franchise and the political parties would not be able to campaign in view of the snowfall not only in the upper reaches of the valley but also in Srinagar city, which has never ever witnessed such a heavy snowfall in the mid of November.

Abdullah suggested considering the weather conditions prevailing in the valley and also in the upper reaches of Jammu region and Ladakh, the Election Commission should postpone the elections to March - April 2009 because by then the weather would improve and a free, fair and smooth election process wiould be possible.

He said the unexpected weather conditions have compelled him to postpone the elections despite the fact that the mood of the electorate was overwhelmingly in favour of the National Conference.

The first phase election in ten assembly segments is scheduled to take place on Nov 17.

UNI