Hope SC will address issue of J&K elections too: Omar

Kulgam, Nov 20: National Conference (NC) vice-president and former chief minister of the erstwhile state of J&K, Omar Abdullah Monday said he hoped that the Supreme Court, when announcing its judgment on Article 370, will also address the issue of elections.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party function at Malwan Kulgam, Omar said, “I hope that the Supreme Court, when announcing its judgment on Article 370, would also address the issue of elections in J&K.”
Responding to questions, Abdullah said, “What else have they (BJP) done other than deceiving us? We’re being misled in the name of elections, unemployment solutions and development.”
On the electricity issue, he questioned, “Why cannot we fix the electricity system here? We didn’t face such challenges during our tenure. Today, despite claims of sufficient funds, why aren’t they ensuring an improved electricity supply? People endure power cuts of 10 to 12 to 14 hours.”
Addressing the demand for elections, Abdullah stated, “We are demanding it. Hopefully, the Article 370 petition before the Supreme Court might mention elections. Previously, the Panthers Party brought an election petition, and the Chief Justice indicated it would be addressed due to its relation to 370.”
Expressing concern over the Amshipora Encounter verdict, Omar said, “It’s very unfortunate that innocent people are in jail for mere cases and have been imprisoned for years. In comparison, an Army Major involved in the Amshipora case, and the army court, not the civil court, found him guilty of a fake encounter where three individuals from Rajouri were brought in and killed. Astonishingly, he was granted bail with ease, setting aside the proceedings.”
“I appeal to the central government not to play with the emotions of the people here and not to instil in them the belief that their lives are of little value. Those involved in fake encounters should not be granted bail so effortlessly,” he added.