New Delhi, June 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the Centre has started preparations and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir may be held by the end of this year.
Speaking at the Lok Sabha, Amit Shah said, “In the view of Ramzan and Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir, preparations are underway to hold assembly elections by the end of this year.”
Amit Shah also proposed that the President’s Rule should be extended in Jammu and Kashmir for another six months.
He also said that the Centre has successfully rooted out terrorism from Kashmir, thus paving way for assembly elections.
Elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been pending for several months after the PDP-BJP coalition government fell through in June last year.
Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections were earlier held simultaneously with Lok Sabha elections. However, the elections were not held this time along with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
BJP pulled out of the coalition that was led by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Governor’s Rule was immediately imposed in the state.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was dissolved in November.
The home minister also moved the J&K Reservation Bill in Lok Sabha. Shah said, “This bill is not to please anyone but for those living near the International Border.”
