Srinagar, 6 June: Omar Abdullah, former chief minister and National Conference (NC) vice-president, said on Tuesday that elections are the prerogative of the people and that he would not ask anybody to conduct them.
“We also have some self-respect,” Omar told reporters, “and we will not beg before anyone to hold the elections here.” Elections are a right of the people, and the Election Commission must respond to this matter,” he stated.
“Didn’t the Chief Election Commissioner say that J&K has a vacuum that needs to be filled?” Why isn’t the hoover getting filled? If the Election Commission is under pressure, they must state unequivocally that they are under pressure and that is why elections cannot be held here,” Omar remarked.
He said it was fine to conduct the G20 summit in Srinagar and showcase Kashmir to the world, but that people should be aware of the realities.
“Traffic is a nightmare here. Distances that should take five minutes now take 40 minutes owing to traffic jams. People are sobbing. Students and government workers are unable to go to school or work on time. Patients on their way to the hospital die in ambulances due to traffic congestion, and no one seems to care,” he remarked.
