The Jammu and Kashmir governor’s administration has withdrawn security cover of more than 700 mainstream political leaders, former ministers and former legislators.
The three major political parties in the Valley – the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party and Congress – have called the step a “sinister plan” to “incapacitate the entire Opposition during the election process,” reported The Indian Express.
According to the report, a top Election Commission official confirmed that the poll panel has received complaints from these three parties.
“The Election Commission will advise the state that if you won’t provide security, you are disturbing the ecosystem because unless they (political workers) are secured, they cannot go for campaigning and canvassing which is an important element in election process.”An Election Commission Official to The Indian Express