Iltija Mufti Raises Concerns Over Jammu and Kashmir Poll Handling

PDP leader Iltija Mufti voiced concerns about potential hesitations from security agencies and local administration regarding Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. She warned that if the Election Commission yields to these apprehensions, it could cement the region's image as a 'police state'. Her comments coincided with the Election Commission's visit to review poll preparedness.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti voiced concerns on Thursday about potential hesitations from security agencies and the local administration concerning the conduct of Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. She warned that if the Election Commission yields to these apprehensions, it could cement the region's image as a 'police state'.

'It's easy to guess that while political parties here will press the Election Commission of India (ECI) for early elections in J&K, security agencies and local administration will likely be apprehensive. However, ceding space to the latter will only reinforce that J&K will continue being a deep state within a police state, perpetually hostile to democracy,' Iltija Mufti stated in a post on X.

Iltija Mufti's remarks came as the Election Commission (EC), led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, arrived on Thursday to review the preparedness for Assembly polls. The delegation met with representatives of political parties and senior officers of police and the civil administration.