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“The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will prioritize passing a resolution against the Central Government’s decision to take away the region’s statehood and special status right after the elections,” Abdullah said.
National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, who often criticises the Indian government, on Saturday (August 17) said that the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly plans to pass a resolution opposing the Central government’s decision to revoke Article 370, as its first action following the upcoming assembly elections.
Abdullah said that the Assembly’s primary focus will be a resolution against the Central government’s move, which went into effect on August 5, 2019, and removed the region’s statehood and special status.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will prioritize passing a resolution against the Central Government’s decision to take away the region’s statehood and special status right after the elections,” Abdullah said.
His remarks came a day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) said assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.
The last assembly elections in the region were held in November-December 2014. However, Jammu and Kashmir have been under the President’s Rule since December 19, 2018.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah had said that he would not participate in the assembly elections until statehood is restored.
His father and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, who will lead the party during elections, said, “I am pleased that the dates have been moved up. We had hoped for concurrent parliamentary and assembly elections, but that did not happen.”
Other political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including Congress, BJP, CPI(M), and the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), have also welcomed the Election Commission’s announcement of the three-phase elections.
Congress general secretary GA Mir said, “The announcement shows the public’s eagerness for a government chosen by them. We believe people in Jammu and Kashmir will actively participate in the elections”.
Iltija Mufti, the daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, said, “The PDP (People’s Democratic Party) welcomes the poll announcement.” She also noted the long-awaited return to democratic processes in the region.
(With inputs from agencies)
