“Welcome step”: Omar Abdullah on reports JeI to contest J&K polls

Srinagar, Aug 25: Reacting to reports of Jama'at-e-Islami to contest the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah said that the beauty of democracy is that anyone can contest polls.

Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Omar, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) he came across news reports that JeI was trying to get its ban lifted, so they could contest the elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“But, unfortunately the government did not lift the ban even after elections were announced in J&K. Now there are news reports JeI is fielding its candidates as independents, which is a welcome step. We wanted them to contest polls on their own symbol, however, the ban on the organisation has not been lifted,” he said.

He also said that now that they have decided to contest polls as independents, let them come forward with their our manifesto and promises. “It is up to the people whom they will choose. We welcome them if they have decided to contest elections,” Omar added.

Replying to query that there are reports about fissures in the NC-Congress alliance, he stated that it’s up to the party to decided things.

He also said that it is welcome development that home minister Amit Shah has read the manifesto of the National Conference and he mentioned about the same.

“I thank Amit Shah for mentioning our manifesto. After his comments I once again went through our manifesto and ensured if we haven’t missed anything. A person like home minister of the country reading one parties manifesto is big achievement for us,” he said.