There is complete freedom in Jammu and Kashmir for politics, but not for anti-national activities, Union Territory Deputy Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday, days before the region’s first direct election since it was stripped of its special status. and forked last year. .
In an exclusive interview, Sinha, 61, laid out the political roadmap for UT and detailed security arrangements for the district development council (DDC) elections, which begin on Saturday where six million voters out of 20districts will elect 280representatives – 140 each in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also shared his assessment of the security situation, insisting that the forces have an advantage over the militants despite recent incidents such as a foiled terrorist plot last week in Nagrota in the Jammu district.
“Only the Constitution of India allows one to use unconstitutional language. Here there is full freedom for those who want to carry out political activities. But the permission is only for politics, not for anti-national activities, “he said.
Sinha, who was a high-ranking leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of Uttar Pradesh before being appointed second LG of the UT in August, argued strongly against separatism and a space for the Hurriyat Conference in the politics of the region.
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“I feel that the nationalist forces and the pro-India voices should have patronage at J&K. We will carry that forward, ”he said.
Sinha said the state electoral commission responded to complaints from the Popular Alliance for the Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) that its candidates were confined to a security camp and not allowed to freely participate in the eight-phase elections.
“Following their complaints, the state electoral commissioner has ensured a level playing field for all parties. There will be no discrimination. The candidates will have all the freedom of scrutiny, ”he said.
PAGD is a recently consolidated alliance between six main parties in Kashmir, including former rivals of the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party, who are demanding the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to the region.
“This election will be a milestone for democracy and grassroots development … the polls will be the real test of the fervor of the people, but the comments suggest an overwhelming response,” Sinha said.
He condemned the recent assassinations of political leaders – 10 local BJP leaders have been shot dead this year – but added that his administration made robust security arrangements to ensure free and fair elections. “Attempts to disrupt the electoral process will not be successful. The people want to participate in the elections and our forces are vigilant, “he added.
Sinha disagreed with recent statements by former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti that militancy was on the rise and more young people were joining extremism, noting that coordination between the forces had improved.
“Safety is not a concern. Our forces are fully alert to face any situation. There are people in our neighborhood who want to destabilize the situation. But there is nothing to worry about, ”he said.
Sinha said her biggest challenge was creating a mechanism for people to air their complaints and obtain redress, adding that Kashmiri youth, who took up arms but surrendered, should be able to return to the mainstream. “Anyone who expresses faith in the Constitution should have a chance.”
Some political parties disagreed with LG’s assessment. “The lieutenant governor is right in theory that nationalist forces should be sponsored at J&K. In reality, however, government decisions and actions are pushing them to the other side of the fence, ”said GA Mir, J&K head of Congress.
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