Jammu, Nov 13: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami on Thursday said that there should be no discrimination in providing security to leaders of different political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There should be no discrimination on the grant of security to the leaders of different political parties. The Election Commission would take up the issue with the Director General of Police (DGP) and Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir,” Gopalaswami told reporters after reviewing the poll preparedness in 10 districts of Jammu region.
“We have received large number of complaints from leaders and office bearers of various political parties about discrimination in grant of security to them” he said adding “in some cases the main office bearers of some parties have not been given any security.”
He said the EC is looking into the complaint that former chief minister Gulam Nabi Azad is being given the top grade of security which is provided to a Chief Minister.
On the complaints of use of beacon light, multiple escorts and security vehicles by the former ministers during campaigning and travelling, he said that EC has directed ASS SSPs of the districts to file a report on this issue to EC immediately.
To a question about the poll boycott call by Kashmiri separatists, CEC said “We are not bothered about poll boycott call. Jammu and Kashmir is not the only place where these kind of calls are given. Naxals and even individuals also give such calls during elections in various states.”
Referring to necessity of holding 7-phased election in the state, he said that this step was taken in view of paucity of the security forces, which were also needed for security duty in other states going to polls in the country.
After Chattisgarh elections on December 4 more forces would come here and then elections would be held in more constituencies, he said.
He said that security situation was conducive for holding of elections in J&K and elaborate security measures have been taken by the state government and EC is satisfied with the preparation.
Referring to no objection certificates (NOCs) for candidates, he said that there is no need of NOCs and affidavit would be treated as their NOcs as far as pending power and water dues are concerned.
EC had reviewed the polls and security arrangements of all the 10 districts of Jammu regions at a high level officers meeting and also met all the representatives of the political parties.
Regarding proposal mooted by the government to implement 6th pay commission in Jammu and Kashmir CEC said “let them send proposal to us we will see to it and decide.”
Bureau Report (http://www.zeenews.com)
(120 views)
Related Posts: