News Brief
'Time Has Come To Have Own Government': CEC Rajiv Kumar Hints At Having Jammu And Kashmir Assembly Elections Soon
CEC Rajiv Kumar with two newly-appointed Election Commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
In a momentous announcement, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has stated that the time has come for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to have their own government through assembly elections.
In an address in Jammu and Kashmir, Kumar stated, "The time has come for you to be given your own government through assembly elections."
The CEC was accompanied by Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and S. S. Sandhu as per a report by The Indian Express.
Kumar continued, “Now, the time has come to take forward the dreams you people have shown us by turning up in large numbers and standing in long queues at polling stations during the recent Lok Sabha elections, and to give you your own elected government through (assembly) elections.”
The CEC however has not provided a specific timeline as of yet for when the electoral process would be completed.
Kumar added, "The state-level review has been finalised, and the Amarnath Yatra will conclude on 19 August. On our return to Delhi, we will have an assessment of the security situation and the availability of forces before announcing the election schedule”.
In response to a question about the Supreme Court's 30 September deadline for holding assembly polls in the Union Territory, Kumar said, "We will keep this in mind before making a decision."
He also mentioned that the final electoral rolls would be published in August.
The CEC expressed appreciation for the significant public participation in the Lok Sabha elections, noting that the world had recognised the enthusiasm of the people of J&K.
Kumar also highlighted that the Commission has directed authorities to establish a polling booth every two kilometres for the convenience of voters, with each polling station equipped with CCTV coverage.
Regarding the recent increase in terror attacks in the Jammu region, Kumar stated that the security forces and administration are fully capable of handling the situation.
