MP Ruhullah Mehdi questions ECI over transfers, postings ahead of elections in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 31: The National Conference (NC) senior leader and Member Parliament from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Saturday questioned Election Commission of India (ECI) over transfers and postings in civil and police administration ahead of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ruhullah said that 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 while addressing a press conference at party headquarters at Nawa-e-Subh in Srinagar.

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.

“We believe that the fresh developments are an attempt to tamper with the level playing field promised to the political parties by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Isn’t it surprising to see that a police officer who posted just ten days ago in Baramulla was replaced by a new one? Three more transfers were made and one deputy commissioner was also shifted,” 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.