Omar Abdullah Criticizes PSA Misuse, Preps for J&K Elections

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah condemned the misuse of the Public Safety Act and promised its removal if elected. He aims to form a united front against BJP in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Polls to be held in three phases starting September 18.

National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Friday criticized the misuse of the Public Safety Act (PSA), alleging that youths were harassed without cause. He asserted that different laws were employed against them, leading to overcrowded local jails and the transfer of detainees to facilities outside Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah promised that if the National Conference wins power, they will abolish the PSA to prevent future misuse.

Addressing the press, Abdullah defended his decision to run in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, emphasizing the need for a united front against the BJP to reduce their influence. He stressed that a coalition was essential across Jammu, including the regions of Pir Panchal and Chenab, to limit BJP's seat count.

The election in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 4. This marks the first Assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370, expected to be a multi-cornered contest.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has released notification for the filing of nominations for the second phase of the elections. 26 Assembly constituencies will go to the polls in this phase. Candidates must file their nominations by September 5, with scrutiny on September 6 and withdrawal by September 9.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, the PDP won 28 seats, BJP 25, National Conference 15, and Congress 12. The PDP-BJP coalition dissolved in 2018 when the BJP withdrew support post Mufti Mohammad's demise. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the BJP again showed strong support by winning both seats in Jammu, while National Conference secured two seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)