ECI must explain why transfers were made: Aga Ruhullah Mehdi

Srinagar, Aug 31: National Conference (NC) member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi today said that Election Commission of India (ECI) must explain why some transfers were made in police department and civil administration yesterday.

He was addressing a press conference here. “ECI must explain the intent behind the move when Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is already in place.

It is a surprising move that transfers and postings are taking place at a time when J&K is set for Assembly polls and Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in place,” MP Ruhullah said.

He said that NC has written a letter to ECI, seeking reasons and an explanation of sorts as to what prompted them to order transfers of police officers at a time when Code of Conduct is in place. “I am surprised Baramulla SSP was transferred within 10 days only and a new one posted there. This is what we were worried about. During our meeting with the ECI in Srinagar, we were assured that no such step would be taken and parties would be given a level playing field,” the NC MP said.

Hitting out at PDP over playing politics on Kashmir issue, the NC leader said the party in its manifesto has promised that it will fight for the restoration of what have been taken away from us. “Be it Article 370 or else, NC will work for the resolution of all unresolved issues. We believe Kashmir is a political issue, and needs to be resolved politically,” he said.