Jammu Kashmir polls to be postponed? ANC reaches out seeking support

Srinagar, Nov 10: Awami National Conference (ANC) has sought support from all the social and political organisations in its appeal with the Supreme Court for the postponement of assembly elections in the flood-ravaged state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The ANC has raised objections with the timing of the elections demanding its postponement, so that relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people goes unhindered.

"When the focus of the state administration and the centre should have been on the rehabilitation process, what is the tearing hurry of holding elections that has thrown the process into disarray?" senior vice president of the party Muzaffar Shah said.

"We appeal all social and political organisations to come forward and stand in unison with us in pleading the case of 'rehabilitation first – elections thereafter', before the Supreme Court," he added.

Shah, son of ANC founder and former chief minister of J&K GM Shah, said that the Governor rule should have been imposed in the state rather than conducting the elections when lakhs of people were living as "migrants" and "crying" for shelter.

"Governor's rule would have been better for the state than any political party's. There was no need to conduct elections at this time and they could have been delayed for few months. We have had Governor rule in the state, what was the problem," he said.

Estranged cousin of chief minister Omar Abdullah, Shah said if Omar and his party were serious about their stand that elections should have been delayed, "he (Omar) should also stand with me".

The Supreme Court, he said, has well entertained and appreciated the seriousness and sensitivity of the plea and has placed the matter before the Chief Justice for further consideration.

"The people of Kashmir have high hopes from the Supreme Court," he said.

PTI