Malik Zahoor
Srinagar, 16 Aug (KB): Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, Awami national Conference and CPIM welcomed the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) announcement of assembly election dates.
However, they urged the central government to restore full statehood to the region before the elections took place.
Muzaffar Shah, Vice President of the Awami National Conference, expressed his gratitude toward the Election Commission but emphasized that the central government must “walk the talk” by restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
“It must be announced before elections,” Shah insisted. He also urged the Election Commission to “cancel all transfers made within the past 24 hours” and to “wait for the new elected government.” Shah expressed confidence that the next government in Jammu and Kashmir would be formed without the BJP, stating, “I personally tell all alliance partners that the people’s demand is that we have to reject the August 5th decision by the vote and unity,” Shah said while talking to reporters in Srinagar as per Kashmir Bulletin.
Similarly, M.Y. Tarigami, a leader from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), welcomed the announcement of election dates.
“Today, people are satisfied with the announcement of dates, as there was doubt whether the central government would hold elections in J&K or not,” Tarigami remarked. He noted that the announcement by the ECI had brought a sense of satisfaction and relief to the region. Both leaders underscored the significance of the upcoming elections, with the restoration of statehood remaining a central demand, Tarigami told reporters — (KB)
