SRINAGAR: A day ahead of the meeting of all political parties of Jammu and Kashmir convened by the Election Commission to explore the possibility of holding polls to the assembly, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said on Sunday that the time was not appropriate for elections in the state.

"Pushing the state into elections could prove counter- productive in a situation where the people are forced into a deep feeling of alienation, disillusionment, hopelessness and aloofness," a resolution passed at a specially convened party meeting presided over by its chief Mehbooba Mufti here said.

The election commission decided to convene a meeting of all the state political parties in New Delhi on Monday to assess the situation after doubts were expressed over the possibility of holding assembly polls in the wake of the recent violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Elections has to meet peoples wishes, interests and gauge their aspirations. Given the situation in Jammu and Kashmir this time, one can simply ask if people are annoyed and aggrieved, elections for whom and for what?" party General Secretary Nizammuddin Bhat, who is part of the PDP delegation to represent the party in the meeting tomorrow, said.

The resolution said that before initiating any electoral process in the State, the government must address the concerns and aspirations of the people in a responsible manner and put in place concrete confidence building measures aimed at repairing their damaged psyche, salvaging their bruised dignity, rekindling hope in their hearts and motivating them to mould their as well as the states destiny through a consequential democratic process.

Referring to the "economic blockade" enforced by Amarnath Sangharsh Samiti in Jammu, the party said, "the geographical isolation Kashmir valley was forced into because of the recent economic blockade has only reiterated the urgency of throwing open all the traditional routes to and from Kashmir".

The party also demanded compensation for all those who were affected by the recent agitation in the state.
Source : DNA