Govt seeks 6 month extension of Prez rule in J&K, Amit Shah says Assembly polls in State by year end

New Delhi: The Government in Lok Sabha on Friday said that Election Commission has decided to hold Assembly pols in Jammu and Kashmir by the end of this year.

Home Minister Amit Shah moved the statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha, seeking a six month extension of President’s rule in the state from July 3.

“That this House approves the continuance in force of the Proclamation dated December 19, 2018 in respect of the State of Jammu and Kashmir, issued under article 356 of the Constitution by the President, for a further period of six months with effect from July 3,” the resolution read.

Speaking on the resolution, Mr Shah said, “The Election Commission has decided to hold polls in the end of this year.”

The Union Home Minister said polls in Jammu & Kashmir have witnessed a “bloody past”, but during Lok Sabha election this year, there was no violence.

"The law and order in the state is under control," he said.

“There is now zero tolerance towards terrorism and the government has done a lot over the last year to uproot terror from Jammu and Kashmir,” Mr Shah said.

He said it was decided to construct 15,000 bunkers along the border areas and it will be done within the time frame which was set by previous Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Mr Shah urged the members in the House to support the resolution by rising above political lines.

The Union Home Minister also moved the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill 2019 for consideration and passing.

Speaking on the Bill, Mr Shah said the Bill will give the benefit of reservation to the persons residing in the area adjoining the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said over 3.5 lakh people will benefit from it adding that children living on the international border will receive benefits of the bill. (UNI)