‘Restoration of Democracy Seems A Distant Dream In J&K’: Basharat Bukhari

Mudasir Yaqoob

Srinagar, Apr 27: People’s Conference leader Syed Basharat Bukhari on Wednesday said that authorities should announce non-holding of Assembly Polls in J&K so that people would know democracy would not be restored in J&K.

Addressing media persons here, Bukhari who was flanked with PC leader Khurshid Aalam said that recently the Election Commissioner made a statement and reference about holding of Panchayat and Parliamentary polls. “But no reference was made about holding of Assembly Polls in J&K” he said.

He added that it seems apparently ‘malicious intentions’ as assembly polls are delayed without any reasonable reason.

“We have to understand that the same polling booths, men and machinery would be used for holding of Panchayat and Parliamentary Polls in J&K as are required for assembly polls. So, why Assembly Polls are delayed,” he questioned.

“Earlier the authorities had said that assembly polls would be held once the weather (winter) improves in Kashmir. Home Minister Amit Shah and LG Manoj Sinha have recently termed the prevailing situation in J&K peaceful. If Parliament polls are possible why state polls are delayed,” Bukhari said.

“Let the authorities make a clear statement that assembly polls would not be held, if that is the case or if authorities have some other intentions. Let them make their intentions clear,” he added.