EC should restore democratic process in J&K : Omar Abdullah

Srinagar,  As the Election Commission of India (ECI) is all set to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls on Saturday, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the Commission should play a role to fully restore the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir.

He, however, said he has no expectation from the Election Commission.

“We have no expectation from the Election Commission”, Omar told media persons in Srinagar.

“Election Commission should play a role to restore fully the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been now 10-years since the Assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir”.

The former chief minister said that the former President of India Ram Nath Kovind led committee has submitted a report to the government regarding ‘one nation one election’ and it was best to start it from Jammu and Kashmir.

“If you cannot start it from Jammu and Kashmir what expectations will we keep… the drums they are beating about the ‘one nation one election’. Isn’t it to deceive the people and just to make them fool”, Omar said.

The NC Vice President said it is a golden opportunity for the government of India to hold Assembly election with the Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Do restore the democracy fully in Jammu and Kashmir and announce in a press conference tomorrow the dates for conducting the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections together”, he demanded.

When asked about the proposed meeting of the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Omar said that he was not holding any post.

On a query about when the National Conference is going to announce the candidates for the Lok Sabha election, Omar said “this is our choice when we announce the candidates”.