Srinagar- Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, National Conference Member of Parliament from Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, sought an explanation from the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday on what he termed as ‘overnight transfers’ of a few top police officers ahead of the assembly elections in J&K.
Addressing a press conference at the NC head office, Nawai Subh here, Ruhullah said, the overnight transfers of Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) particularly in Baramulla forced him and that of his party colleagues to smell a rat.
The move, according to the NC leader, may have been taken to ‘influence’ the administrative structure in favor of a particular party in the upcoming general assembly elections in J&K.
“We requested the ECI team to ensure that the elections would be held in a free and fair manner when they first came, since the democratic process was going to take place following some harsh decisions that seriously damaged the democracy and its functioning in J&K,” Ruhullah said, adding, “I believe these transfers are intended to fiddle with the administrative setup.”
The poll body, he said, must ensure that all political parties in J&K have a level playing field and there shouldn’t be any attempts to ‘skew’ the administrative structure to a particular political party or their ‘proxies’.
“Although the Model Code of Conduct is in effect in J&K, we fail to understand what prompted the ECI to order these transfers particularly in Baramulla where the previous district police chief was posted only ten days ago. Our apprehensions are valid and we want an explanation from the ECI in this direction,” he said, adding, was this done at the behest or request of a particular party.
“I hope the police officials who were transferred would abide by the law and discharge their duties with utmost sincerity,” he said.
Ruhullah said that NC is committed to restore ‘Greater Autonomy’ in J&K and that restoration of Article 370 will be the first step in this direction.
Taking aim at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for parroting Kashmir solution, Ruhullah said PDP does not really have a solution to the problem, adding, only the National Conference has a workable solution to the vexed issue, which is Greater Autonomy.
“We shall fight to bring democracy back to J&K. Our first attempt will be to adopt a resolution against the August 5, 2019 decision during the Legislative Assembly’s first session. Our agenda is clear, and we also want the Kashmir issue to be resolved,” he said, adding that PDP should come up with a roadmap and explain what solution they actually have.
Ruhullah also urged the government to consider placing examination centers for students appearing in Service Selection Board exams in close proximity to their residences, to avoid any issues with boarding, housing, or transportation, and to give the students ample time to prepare.
NC To Prioritise Lifting AFSPA: Omar
Meanwhile party vice-president Omar Abdullah said on Saturday that the National Conference will prioritise the lifting of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir and put an end to the “unjust harassment faced by Kashmiri youth” if it is voted to power.
Abdullah had pitched for the revocation of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in 2012 when he was chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state.
He had even announced that AFSPA would be revoked during his tenure but the proposal faced strong opposition from the Army.
“The party (National Conference) reiterates its unwavering dedication to fulfilling the promises outlined in our manifesto. Once in power, the National Conference-led government will prioritise the lifting of AFSPA, putting an end to the unjust harassment faced by our youth,” Abdullah said as he welcomed prominent political activists into the party.
The National Conference leader said his party was committed to streamlining the passport verification process, creating job opportunities for the unemployed, and ensuring that every household had access to essential resources, increased ration and reliable utility services without putting a burden on their finances.
Highlighting the significance of the party’s manifesto, Abdullah said it truly reflected the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is precisely why it was rejected by the BJP,” he said and warned that “every vote cast in favour of parties other than the National Conference and its allies will only serve to strengthen the BJP, regardless of the party chosen”.
Abdullah, who is contesting the assembly polls from the Ganderbal seat, said the National Conference is not interested in winning the elections through fear tactics against the BJP.
“Instead, the party has developed a comprehensive manifesto that addresses the concerns of artisans, unemployed youngsters, agriculturalists, transporters, hoteliers, traders, and more. The manifesto not only identifies the issues but also presents a clear roadmap to tackle them effectively,” he added.
Elections to the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1 and the results declared on October 8.
The National Conference and the Congress have finalised a seat-share formula, with the parties contesting 51 and 32 seats, respectively.
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