Time right for J&K polls, says CEC

SRINAGAR: Giving a clear hint that Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir would be held soon, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Friday said time is right for elections and dates for maiden Assembly polls in J&K Union Territory would be announced after Election Commission holds security review and forces requirement assessment in New Delhi.

“The J&K government officials have told us that they are ready to hold polls in the UT. Security challenges remain but it won’t stop us from holding polls. The administration is capable enough to deal with the situation,” CEC Kumar said addressing a press conference in Jammu.

During their two-day stay in J&K, CEC and two ECs met representatives of nine political parties and top police, civil and security officials to seek their feedback on poll preparedness. J&K is under direct central rule since June 2018 and last Assembly election in J&K was held in 2014.

“Time is right for holding polls. We are committed to conducting elections at the earliest. The state level review has been completed. The Amarnath yatra will end on August 19. We will hold a security review and forces requirement assessment in Delhi and afterwards poll dates will be announced,” the CEC said.