PDP questions govt plans of holding polls in J&K

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday questioned the government’s decision to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir when leaders of major political parties remain under detention.

While addressing mediapersons here, PDP leader Parvez Wafa said the way authorities were mulling to hold polls is unjustified, ironic and uncalled for. “Since the leadership of major political parties and important office leaders are under detention, the idea of holding polls itself loses the relevance and is contrary to the democratic ideas,” he said.

On Thursday, J&K Lt governor GC Murmu had hinted at early elections to the assembly of the newly created Union territory. Wafa said the party leaders and workers had requested authorities to allow a delegation to meet Mehbooba Mufti but they were denied permission even though National Conference leaders were allowed to meet their leadership under detention.

He added that the family members of the PDP president were also not allowed to meet her. “Such a treatment is unlawful and unjustified,” Wafa said.

He urged the authorities that the detained leaders must be released at the earliest as it is adding to the uncertainty in the Valley. “It is ironic that the people are not allowed to meet their leaders and get their grievances addressed. The feeling of being unattended adds to the alienation of masses,” he added. HTC

PARTY SAYS SINCE THE LEADERSHIP OF MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IS UNDER DETENTION THE IDEA OF ELECTIONS LOSES RELEVANCE