J-K Lt Governor assures parties of ensuring smooth campaign for upcoming DDC polls

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Srinagar, Nov 20 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has assured political parties of ensuring smooth campaign for the upcoming local body elections and said the polls will go a long way in strengthening panchayati raj institutions in the Union Territory.

Responding to a letter by CPI(M) leader Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami who had raised the issue of candidates being kept away from their constituencies and not being allowed to campaign, Sinha said he has taken note of the concerns and issued 'necessary instructions'.

Tarigami, a former MLA from the militancy-hit Kulgam district of south Kashmir, had informed the Lt Governor that after filing their nomination papers, the candidates were not allowed to campaign due to 'perceived threat to their lives' and had been bundled in 'cluster accommodation'.

'Confining candidates against their wishes has severely restricted their movement and ability to campaign. Even in some cases, they are not allowed to attend party meetings,' the CPI(M) leader said.

Tarigami said there had been instances that rival candidates were sent in the same vehicle and asked to campaign together.




In his response, the Lt Governor said, 'I am sure that the coming elections will go a long way in strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions.' Tarigami released to the media his letter and Sinha's response.

The CPI(M) is part of the newly formed People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) which comprises the National Conference, the PDP and four other local parties.


District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in eight phases beginning November 28.

The elections will be the first democratic exercise since Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 was revoked in August last year and the state was bifurcated into union territories. PTI SKL SMN SMN
