Jammu and Kashmir polls likely to be held on time

Srinagar: Elections to Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are likely to be held on time. The new government in the state has to be in place before January 19 next year when the stipulated six-year term of the present House will come to an end. A hint to this effect was given by chief election commissioner V.S. Sampath when he assured that if the EC announces Assembly elections for Jammu and Kashmir, it will make sure that ongoing relief and rehabilitation process for flood victims will not get disturbed. During the day-long visit, Mr Sampath held talks with all the stakeholders which, they said, would help them in deciding the election schedule for the state. A formal announcement is expected to be made from New Delhi soon. “We met all the political parties, officials and other stakeholders and got their feedback. It will take some time to decide about the conduct of elections,” Mr Sampath said.