NEW DELHI: Serious moves are a foot for holding Assembly elections In Jammu and Kashmir to ensure peace more than the voters’ participation during electioneering in the valley with massive fresh induction of forces melding the Army, along with but Jet proof vehicles. Paramilitary forces are being redeployed following the Election ‘Commission’ decision to put off Lok Sabha by-elections elsewhere in the country. Almost the entire election material is ready. Revised lists of voters are expected to be put up. Notification has been issued for the delimitation of 87 constituencies, 11 more than in the previous elections, and indications are that four more may be added to take their total number to91. Buses and trucks are being hired for two months. The government’s plans center around ensuring safety of candidates and pro New Delhi politicians in the valley. These developments look odd in view of the fact that there is no political breakthrough yet. Government circles appear to think that the National Conference will participate in the elections if assured that the new ‘Assembly can determine the future political dispensation of the state within the Indian Constitution, The National Conference chief, Dr. Farooq ‘Abdullah, has left for the Haj pilgrimage. This has caused consternation in his party which would have liked him to be around at this critical juncture. ‘The participation of the All-party Horriyat Conference, a conglomeration of traditional Opposition parties of the valley, is ruled out. It is determined to prove its point by ensuring boycott of the elections. The word going around is that a new name may emerge on the political scenario, The name sounds odd, Kuka Parrey, a dance returned militant, who is said to be ruthlessly opposed to pro-Pakistan Hizbul Mujahideen. Three developments confirm the government’s plans, Close associates of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, are get ling ready for the polls in the Congress stronghold of Jammu. State Governor, Gen K.V. Krishna Rao (Fetd), had one-to-one dialogue with the Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, on election arrangements in the state.
The other was the assurance by the Home Minister, S.B. Chavan, to a delegation from Ladakh, that a formal notification would soon be issued granting the Trans Himalayan territory the status of an Autonomous Hill Council.
(Of course, it is pointed out, that a positive indication of the early polls is that the Chief Election Commissioner, TIN, Seshan, agreed to postpone the by-elections in other states to enable the government to make security arrangements in the troubled state. Government circles are confident that they will be able to live up to the other requirements.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 12, 1995
