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respectively and the schedule issued on 13th February for other phases of Panchayat by-elections are hereby withdrawn.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
Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.
Updated Date: Feb 18, 2020 22:50:55 IST
