NEW DELHI: In an announcement made on August 31st, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta conveyed that the Central government stands fully prepared to conduct elections in Jammu and Kashmir at any given moment.
"Significant progress has been made in updating the voter registry thus far. The Election Commission is currently finalizing the remaining portion," stated SG Tushar Mehta said.
Furthermore, it was revealed that three imminent elections are on the horizon. Notably, the introduction of the three-tier panchayat raj system marks a significant development. The initial polls will focus on electing representatives for the panchayats. Notably, the District Development Council elections have already been successfully conducted," Mehta elaborated.
Highlighting the electoral progress in the region, the solicitor general also mentioned the recently concluded elections for the Ladakh Hill Development Council in Leh. He anticipates that polls in Kargil will transpire in the upcoming month.
Additionally, the Central government apprised the apex court of its inability to provide a precise timeline for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood status. It clarified, however, that the current Union Territory status is temporary, as ongoing efforts are being made to facilitate its eventual transition into a complete state.
Pertinent to security matters, Mehta informed that there has been a substantial decline in instances of terrorism, registering a remarkable 45.2 percent reduction from 2018 to 2023. Moreover, infiltration has been curtailed by an impressive 90 percent. "Acts disrupting law and order, including incidents like stone pelting, have decreased by a staggering 97%," stated Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. He further underscored the reduction in casualties among security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, down by 65 percent. Notably, instances of stone pelting in 2018, which amounted to 1,767, have now reached zero. Additionally, organized bandhs, which were 52 in number in 2018, have also been eradicated.
The disclosure portrays a landscape of progress and readiness, both in terms of electoral processes and security improvements in the region.
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