Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled a meeting with Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Wednesday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Assembly polls, the dates for which are yet to be announced, ANI news agency reported, citing sources.
Last week, an ECI delegation led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar had visited J&K for two days to assess the possibility of holding Assembly elections in the Union Territory in September.
During a press briefing in Jammu, CEC Kumar had said that no internal or external force can derail the elections in the Union Territory, adding the exact dates for polls would be revealed after a final security assessment is conducted in Delhi.
“No internal or external force, interference, can derail the elections. We are each committed to conducting a review list and we will give a befitting response to destructive forces and you all will participate with zeal, enthusiasm and hope whenever the elections are declared…,” Kumar had said.
Referring to recent terror attacks in the Jammu region, Kumar said that the poll body doesn’t want to see a “chicken and egg” situation in J&K.
“Our forces are capable of handling the situation, and we won’t allow these small attempts to disrupt the election process,” said Kumar while addressing a press briefing in Jammu.
He also said that all the political parties in J&K unanimously praised the people and the Election Commission for conducting peaceful parliamentary elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said all political parties in J&K are in favour of holding elections early.
“The feedback we received from security heads, administrative officers, and district police chiefs is that while there are a few security challenges, they are ready to ensure peaceful elections in J&K,” added the CEC.
With inputs from agencies
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ECI-Home Secy meet tomorrow to review J&K security situation ahead of polls: Sources
