Assembly elections may be held in Jammu and Kashmir in April or September, Amit Shah takes charge

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir are gearing up for the first assembly elections in 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and after it was declared a Union Territory. Home Minister Amit Shah has chaired several meetings with several local leaders and administrative officials to know the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure safe and smooth elections. Explain that Shah has held several rounds of meetings with the administrative wing and sought feedback on how soon the elections can be held.

In April or September Elections can be held The home minister has also reviewed the ground reports, the source said. The elections can be held either in the first half of the year around April or in the second half around September.

A senior BJP leader said that elections in Jammu and Kashmir could be held between September and October as the weather would not deter voters from reaching polling booths during that time. Another leader said that elections are being considered in the month of April as well. Sources said the Home Ministry has sought a report on whether the ground situation is conducive for elections.

Manoj Sinha and senior police officers attended the meeting In the pre-scheduled meeting, the Home Minister reviewed the prevailing security situation in the Union Territory and the steps taken to deal with Pakistan-backed terrorists to maintain peace in the region. The meeting was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officers of administration, paramilitary forces, and police.

Assembly elections have not been held in Jammu and Kashmir since the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government in 2018.

(ASHNA)