J&K Elections Must Proceed as Scheduled, Says Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone

Srinagar, 11-07-2024 : Sajad Lone, President of the Peoples Conference, emphasized the critical importance of holding Assembly elections on schedule in Jammu and Kashmir, amidst a recent escalation of militant attacks in the region that has overshadowed the anticipation for these elections in the Union Territory. Following the last assembly polls in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2014, the UT is presently under direct rule by the Centre.

During a recent visit to Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated that preparations for the Assembly elections have commenced. The Supreme Court had also directed the Centre in December last year to conduct these elections before September 30.

Lone underscored the necessity of conducting elections as scheduled, emphasizing that only an administration accountable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir has the legitimacy to govern the region. He appealed to the Government of India to refrain from prolonging the current situation, urging them to restore statehood and allow the electoral process to determine the future government.

He stressed that despite imperfections, elected governments assume office across India, and Jammu and Kashmir should not be an exception. Lone criticized any perception of the Centre being at odds with the region’s populace, urging a shift towards governance rooted in institutional integrity rather than individualistic approaches.