Elections in J&K post electoral roll revision, statehood later: LG

The LG said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a fear-free, corruption-free and transparent system has been established in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asserting that democracy is India's soul, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said elections in the union territory will "surely" take place after the completion of the ongoing electoral revision and that the restoration of statehood would follow at an "appropriate time".

Mr. Sinha's remarks came at an event here late on Saturday after veteran Congress leader Karan Singh reiterated the demands to conduct assembly elections and also restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

The event was organised to felicitate Mr. Singh for his contribution to the erstwhile state.

"Democracy is India's soul. Democracy and India are synonymous with each other. The prime minister and the country's home minister have said it many times in the Parliament that elections (in Jammu and Kashmir) will take place," Mr. Sinha said.

The LG said the process of delimitation in the union territory has been completed and the electoral roll revision started.

"After this, there will surely be elections," he stressed.

Referring to the demand to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, Mr. Sinha said, "It has also been said many a times that (first) delimitation, then election, then restoration of statehood at an appropriate time. I do not think there is any scope of doubt in it," he said.