Release political leaders, others before elections: Bhim Singh

Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Sept 30: Chief patron of National Panthers Party Prof Bhim Singh has urged the president of India, Ramnath Kovind to release all the political prisoners and others detained in J&K before conduct of any elections and convene an urgent meeting with leadership of J&K state parties.
In a letter flashed to the President of India Bhim Singh said any election is possible only after the illegal detentions is stopped by the State Government. The confidence of the people of J&K is important factor to create conducive atmosphere to hold any election to the Panchayats or the Assembly.
“It is surprising that the senior leadership of all the recognized state political parties is either detained under the so-called illegal Public Safety Act or under some other false cases and there is no communication between the senior officials working in J&K under President’s Rule with any of the political parties in J&K even though the Act of the Parliament to amend Article 370 was passed by the Parliament and shall be implemented after October 31, 2019. Declaration to hold election for the Chairmen of Block Development Council shall not bring any positive result because the political leadership is in jails. There is no political movement allowed in J&K. Holding election on party basis without allowing the political parties to canvass for the polls shall be a mockery and shall bring no desirable response,” Bhim Singh remarked.
NPP leader further said, ” The response of the voters in J&K is necessary to involve the people of J&K in the election. The present system in J&K under President’s Rule has not been accepted by the people of J&K and therefore, I urge upon your honour to kindly consider my proposal in the interest of restoration of democracy, peace and rule of law in J&K,” he added.
He further urged the President to take appropriate steps to ensure that State of J&K is brought back on the list of recognized states.