Amid a complete shutdown in Kashmir valley against the killing of eight anti-election protesters during bypoll for the Srinagar-Budgam lok Sabha constituency, the Election Commission of Indian on Monday posponed Anantnag lok Sabha bypoll to May 25. The EC cited deteriorating law and order situation in State for rescheduling of bypoll which was to be held on April 12.
Meanwhile, the violence continued in Srinagar-Budgam lok Sabha constituency with miscreants setting afire a Government school and a panchayat office, which had served as polling booths.
The EC notification said the state administration apprehends that “violent attempts” can be made by miscreants to thwart the poll process. It pointed at large scale violence, which took place in Srinagar on Sunday during a similar bypoll.
Earlier in the day, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party candidate and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s brother Tasaduq Mufti appealed to the EC to postpone the elections in the backdrop of the large scale violence.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shantmanu held a detailed meeting with the representatives of political parties for their feedback on holding or deferment of Anantnag bypoll. He said that the opinion was divided amongst the political parties with ruling PDP seeking postponement while the Opposition National Conference-Congress combine adamant to hold the election as per the schedule.
Shatmanu said that he has submitted a report to the ECI and final call would be taken in New Delhi.
Sources said that Chief Secretary Bhir Raj Sharma has separately sent the Government’s feedback on the ground situation to the ECI. The State administration, sources said, is not in favour of holding the elections in the backdrop of happenings on April 9.
Earlier, in the day, ruling PDP candidate for Anantnag Tasaduq Mufti appealed to the ECI to defer the polls. “I appeal ECI to postpone the elections. There is no favourable atmosphere for the elections,” he said at a press conference. “The situation is continuously changing and we must make amendments accordingly,” he said.
He however said that he would contest the polls if the ECI decides on continuing with the poll schedule. Mufti said the State Government has also communicated to the ECI to postpone the elections.
On the unprecedented boycott in Srinagar Constituency, Mufti conceded that democracy has not functioned properly in Jammu & Kashmir. “You cannot force people to vote or not to vote,” he said.
The NC eorking President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described Mufti’s statement as indictment of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. “@MehboobaMufti Tassaduq’s statement is an indictment of his sister @MehboobaMufti'’s Government & its abject failure. How can the BJP not see thisIJ” Omar tweeted shortly after Tasaduq’s Press conference.
He said in case the polls are deferred, Mehbooba Mufti must resign and Governor’s rule must be imposed in Jammu & Kashmir.
“EC is well within its powers to postpone or countermand Anantnag election but if so @MehboobaMufti must resign & Governor should take charge,” Omar said.
Sources said that the CEO discussed postponement of elections and re-poll in Srinagar Constituency at various polling stations. Dozens of EVMs remained unaccounted as they have been looted by the anti-election mob, who ruled the roost in most of the poll-bound areas in Budgam district.
Meanwhile, the Valley observed complete shutdown against the killings as shops, business establishments, schools and offices remained closed while the public transport was off the roads.
Following the killings, the Joint Resistance Forum led by separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik called for two day shutdown.
Sources said clashes erupted between youth and security forces in Natipora area of Srinagar, south Kashmir’s Kulgam and Ganderbal.