Srinagar, Sept 28 (KNS): National Conference Vice-President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said that every political party and citizen want elections in J&K, and it is only Lieutenant Governor who don't want assembly elections to hold in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per Kashmir News Service (KNS) correspondent, Omar was responding to a query about the decision of Ministry of Home Affairs on deferment of polls till conduct of Parliamentary election which are expected to be held in April - May 2024.
"National Conference is ready for polls from the day one. We were pressing to hold polls but we know they (BJP) will not hold elections in J&K. They know people will reply befittingly not only in Kashmir but also in Jammu region if elections are held," Omar Abdullah as per KNS said while talking to reporters in Srinagar.
He said the government at the centre is not in a mood to conduct ULB, Panchayat or Assemblh elections in J&K. "Holding Parliamentary polls in 2024 is their compulsion, as they know people will taught them a lesson through votes," he said.
On opposition meeting convened by NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah in Jammu, Omar said it is good to discuss current political situation mutually. "The opposition leaders will meet and discuss the prevailing uncertain political situation of J&K," he said.
Replying to a query, the former CM said who has a problem if J&K will become a terror-free region. "If DGP Dilbagh Singh is saying they will make J&K a terror-free region, no body should have been a problem in it. Our party has lost thousands of leaders and workers in the turmoil. If DGP is committed to play his role in it, we too will play our role. Let him to make J&K a terror-free place," Omar added.
He however added that Kokernag encounter exposed how much J&K is peaceful. "Our efforts should be beyond statements as we know Kokernag encounter exposed the tall claims that peace has been established in J&K," he added.
The former chief minister J&K at the occasion batted for revocation of AFSPA, saying "Let them to make Jammu and Kashmir a terror-free place and then revoke Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which is in place since decades".
He held that every individual if J&K want elections and an elected government, but only Lieutenant Governor J&K Manoj Sinha has issue with this democratic exercise. (KNS)