Jammu and Kashmir Prepares for Assembly Elections: Exclusive Decision by Election Commission

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that the Election Commission alone has the authority to schedule the Assembly elections in the Union Territory. While expressing hope for soon elections, he highlighted recent visits and statements from top officials indicating preparatory steps are being undertaken for democratic processes.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed on Sunday that the Election Commission has the exclusive jurisdiction to determine the timeline for Assembly elections in the Union Territory. The region has been under central rule for over six years following the collapse of the PDP-BJP government in 2018.

In his remarks after inaugurating the Malaviya Mission Teachers Training Centre at the University of Jammu, Sinha pointed to statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah indicating that elections are on the horizon. Sinha expressed optimism that the democratic exercise would occur soon, based on the recent two-day visit by the full Election Commission team to Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar noted that the review of Jammu and Kashmir's situation has been completed, and post-Amarnath Yatra security needs are being assessed before the election dates can be announced. The Supreme Court has set a September 30 deadline for completing the maiden Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.

(With inputs from agencies.)