Shantmanu takes oath as Jammu and Kashmir SEC, hints at holding local body elections

Shantmanu sworn in as Jammu and Kashmir's State Election Commissioner, emphasising the urgency of local body elections.

Former bureaucrat Shantmanu, who was on Saturday (February 21, 2026) sworn in as the State Election Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for a five-year term, underscored the importance of holding the long-pending panchayat and urban local body elections in the Union Territory.

Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office to the retired IAS officer at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Jammu.

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his cabinet colleagues, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat were also present.

Talking to PTI, Mr. Shantmanu said it was a matter of “great happiness and pride” to take over the responsibility.

Referring to the pending panchayat and urban local body elections, he said, “These elections are vital pillars of our democratic framework, particularly in strengthening decentralised governance and grassroots development. Since they have not been held for some time now, it becomes all the more important.”

“I am happy to formally begin my responsibilities. I will work with full commitment to ensure effective discharge of my duties,” he said.