Chief Election Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, addressed concerns regarding the alleged intimidation of political workers ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the CEO stated, “On social media, there have been some grievances of alleged intimidation of political workers of certain parties and the use of Section 144 Order.”
“The Election Commission of India has taken cognizance of the matter. CEO has personally engaged with political leaders, clarifying that, as per rules, orders under Section 144 are issued in all districts during the last 48 hours (silence period of campaigning). Accordingly, these orders were issued in Udhampur and Jammu Parliamentary Constituencies and are now extended to all districts of the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, including Pulwama,” the statement read.
Furthermore, it emphasized, “Regarding permissions for rallies and political meetings, during the entire period under the Model Code of Conduct, which commences with the announcement of elections by the ECI, special permissions from the concerned authorities are mandatory. These permissions are being issued without discrimination and through the centralized ‘Suvidha Portal’.”
Earlier, the National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Apni Party alleged that the administration had initiated an arrest spree of their workers and agents ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency. They sought intervention from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, ECI, and Lieutenant Governor to halt such unjustified arrests.