Jammu and Kashmir bypolls postponed due to security reasons; Opposition parties seek release of leaders from detention
The eight-phase poll in Jammu and Kashmir was earlier scheduled to be held from 5 March to 20 March on a party basis.
-
The bypolls to panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir, earlier scheduled from 5 March, have been postponed due to security reasons, an official said.
-
The official notification cites 'credible inputs from the law enforcement agencies' as the reason for deferring the polls.
-
The eight-phase poll was earlier scheduled to be held from 5 March to 20 March on a party basis.
The bypolls to panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir, earlier scheduled from 5 March, have been postponed due to security reasons, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shailendra Kumar said on Tuesday.
File image of voters in Kashmir. PTI
By-elections to over 12,500 panchayat seats in Jammu and Kashmir were scheduled to be held in eight phases from 5 March.
ANI quoted an official statement as saying, "Notifications dated 15th & 17th February issued for Phase 1 and 2 (Panchayat by-elections) respectively and the schedule issued on 13th February for other phases of Panchayat by-elections are hereby withdrawn. After addressing all the concerns suitable at the earliest, possibly in 2-3 weeks, fresh schedule shall be notified."
The official notification cites "credible inputs from the law enforcement agencies" as the reason for deferring the polls.
The eight-phase poll was earlier scheduled to be held from 5 March to 20 March on a party basis. The polling was slated for 5 March, 7 March, 9 March, 12 March, 14 March, 16 March, 18 March and 20 March.
According to NDTV, Opposition parties told the Chief Electoral Officer in Jammu that there can only be a level playing field when its leaders are released from detention.
On Monday, senior Congress leader GA Mir had said that the party is ready to take part in the by-elections to panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir if its leaders are released and their free movement is ensured.
With inputs from PTI
also read
J&K: Encounter breaks out in Kulgam
"Encounter has started at Redwani area of #Kulgam. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow," a police spokesman tweeted.
Karnataka minister’s ‘not running government’ audio clip leaves BJP red-faced
A leaked phone call to the press by Karnataka Law Minister J C Madhuswamy has caused new embarrassment to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai
Sonia Gandhi picks Ghulam Nabi Azad as J&K Congress campaign chief, he declines offer
As part of a comprehensive revamp of the organisation in Jammu and Kashmir, Gandhi also appointed Vikar Rasool Wani, considered close to Azad, as the new J&K unit chief.