Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha of Jammu and Kashmir stated on Thursday (30 November) that his administration is prepared to conduct assembly elections in the Union Territory as soon as they receive instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Criticising some political figures for disseminating false information about elections, LG Sinha declared his intention to remain in Jammu and Kashmir until the successful completion of the assembly polls.

Sinha stated at the ‘Samvaad’ conference, organised by Amar Ujala, that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has submitted all the information requested by the ECI regarding arrangements. He emphasised from the platform that the administration is prepared to conduct elections whenever instructed by the ECI.

LG Sinha emphasised the exclusive authority of the Election Commission of India to carry out assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, in reference to the region’s democratic processes. He also expressed criticism towards political leaders for their alleged efforts to mislead the public.

He stated that his responsibility was to uphold the nation’s writ in Jammu and Kashmir, and he has successfully accomplished this task.

He affirmed that every leading figure within terrorist groups has been eradicated and those who remain will shortly meet the same fate. He stressed that terrorism has no footing here.

He stated that the army, CRPF, and police are working in great coordination. Without naming Pakistan, he said, “Attempts are being made by our neighbour to foment trouble here and some incidents took place. There was martyrdoom of some jawans. We will avenge those killings.”

He recognised the government’s initiatives in offering employment and housing to 3,000 Kashmiri Pandits, while also emphasising the necessity for further actions to facilitate their resettlement.