NEW DELHI: Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in September to restore popular rule in the militancy affected State after more than six years of violence and bloodshed. An all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda here recently put its stamp of approval on the plans for early assembly polls. However, the last word has not yet been heard on the controversial issue of greater autonomy for the State. The Government left undefined the promise of “the maximum autonomy” made in the United Front’s Common Minimum Program with the Prime Minister reiterating that the matter of greater autonomy would be discussed with the elected representatives. At least two of the participants suggested an economic package for the State to help it recover from the loss suffered because of militancy.
Asa matter of technical necessity, an extension of President’s rule in the State is inevitable after the end of its present term on July 17. The resolution seeking extension will be moved in the coming Parliament session. There will be enough time till September for many major political players to chalk out their strategy and assess their strength; The CPIM and the Muslims League are bound to make efforts to persuade the National Conference to participate in the assembly polls. On its part, the NC may well seize the opportunity to take part in the assembly polls on the slogan of greater autonomy.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 10, 1996
