Srinagar, Dec 4: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to convene a meeting with political parties to address concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls.
“There are apprehensions, and it will be better if the Election Commission calls parties like ours to explain what SIR really entails. While electronic voting machines do not steal elections, they can certainly be manipulated,” Abdullah told reporters during a passing-out parade of the army’s JAKLI regiment.
The Chief Minister described the 2023 delimitation in J&K as politically motivated, alleging that the creation of seven new seats disproportionately benefited a single party and its allies. He warned that similar manipulations could raise concerns over the SIR process.
Abdullah also congratulated the 713 cadets passing out of the JAKLI regiment, emphasizing the regiment’s strong connection with Jammu and Kashmir in guarding the nation’s borders.
On the occasion of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Abdullah lauded the long-standing India-Russia relationship. “Russia has consistently supported India during conspiracies, conflicts, and attacks. It is positive that the Russian President is visiting India, and stronger ties could benefit global peace,” he said, highlighting the potential for diplomacy to influence the Ukraine conflict.
Regarding the upcoming birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the CM noted that the J&K government lacks the authority to declare public holidays. He said, “I wish we could, but the power lies with the Centre. Restoration of statehood would allow us to make such decisions independently.” Abdullah added that regardless of official holidays, Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy continues to be honored, citing the best cadet award named after Sher-e-Kashmir.