‘J&K election process will begin after delimitation’: LG Manoj Sinha

SRINAGAR: Sending a clear warning that there will be no compromise with the territorial integrity of the country, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (UT) Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said anybody trying to challenge it will have to face the law of the land.

Mr Sinha promised that Assembly elections will be held after completion of delimitation process. However, he did not made any promise whether the election will be held before or after restoring the statehood to UT.

Asked when election will be held, Mr Sinha said EC is a constitutional body and can take decision independently. It is the EC that will announce the elections. However, he said we are ready to hold election in a free, fair and transparent manner as situation is under control and security forces have an upper hand.

“I reject the apprehension that the delimitation process was being held in the J&K early to benefit BJP by increasing seat in Jammu against Kashmir to have a Hindu Chief minister,” Mr Sinha averred during an interview to India Today on Saturday while responding to a question of when delimitation was being held in the country in 2026 what was the need for early delimitation in J&K.

About holding talks with Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), who were being called “ Gupkar Gang”, and threat to nation Mr Sinha said he did not consider them (PAGD) as a gang. Dialogue is the only way to move forward, he said.