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| J&K burning, New Delhi, thinking about elections | | Patil submits report to PM; EC meeting today to discuss election preparedness | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Aug 13
With the Centre mooting an idea of forming a committee to hold talks with agitators in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the prevailing situation and findings of the all-party team that visited the state in the wake of Amarnath land row.
Meanwhile, amid the volatile situation in Jammu and Kashmir over the Amarnath land row, the Election Commission would begin the exercise for holding of next polls in the state where the term of the assembly is expiring on November 20.
Patil informed the Prime Minister about the steps being taken to bring back normalcy in both Jammu region and Kashmir valley, Home Ministry sources said.
Patil also told Singh that there was no blockade on the Jammu-Srinagar highway and adequate security personnel were deployed for uninterrupted movement of vehicles.
During the briefing, Patil apprised Singh about the findings of the all-party delegation, which visited the state on Saturday and Sunday, and suggestions given by it.
Sources said the Centre was contemplating to announce an economic package for those who were affected due to the agitation and economic blockade.
The suggestion was given by the all-party delegation which met twice in the past two days.
Later, a Home Ministry spokesman said 236 trucks carrying oil, gas and other essential items had crossed Jawahar tunnel on way to Kashmir.
Another report from New Delhi said that the the Commission would review the poll preparations with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state tomorrow. The Commission would review the state's preparedness with regard to electoral rolls, electors photo identity cards and general law and order situation, sources said.
Meanwhile, Congress today brushed aside questions on when the elections should be held and was sharply critical of the BJP which wanted delimitation of constituencies in the sensitive border state.
"It is not the time to make any comment on when elections should be held. The Election Commission has to take a decision..... When the house is on fire, you don't talk about elections," AICC spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said emphasising that the need of the hour was to bring about peace and normalcy.
The Commission would also discuss the preparations for the assembly polls in Delhi with the Chief Electoral Officer of the national capital tomorrow. |
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