J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

‘No move to put off’ J&K poll

New Delhi, May 17
Notwithstanding the tension along the border in Jammu and Kashmir, state Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah today ruled out the postponement of the Assembly elections, saying that a new government would be in place before October 13.

“Why should they be postponed? I don’t think so. That’s a normal process in the country. Democratic processes have to continue,” Mr Abdullah told “Star News”.

The Chief Minister, who was here in connection with a review meeting called by Home Minister L.K. Advani to formulate India’s response to Tuesday’s killing of innocent people by terrorists near Jammu, said there was no change in plans to hold elections before the present Assembly completes its term of six years in October.

Amidst reports that he would be joining the Central Government as a Cabinet Minister, Mr Abdullah had no firm answer to offer except that he was not averse to the proposal. PTI