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EC Cancels Anantnag Lok Sabha By-Polls Over Growing Tensions In The Kashmir Valley

The polls were supposed to be held on 12 April before they were deferred to 25 March.
Fayaz Kabli / Reuters

SRINAGAR -- Amid growing tensions in the Valley, the Election Commission of India on Tuesday rescinded its notification issued for Anantnag by-polls which was scheduled to be held on 25 May, till further notice.

"In view of the prevailing ground situation and non availability of sufficient security forces, the Commission is of the considered view that peaceful, free and fair poll is not feasible on 25 May, as scheduled at present, though some political parties have asked for the same," the EC said in a statement.

Later in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narinder Nath Vohra will meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh today to discuss the situation of the valley.

"Reports reveal further continuous deterioration in the situation and the incidents of stone pelting, violence and rioting have rather been on the increase including loss of life," the poll panel said, adding "the apprehension expressed by the Chief Electoral Officer that there may be reluctance on the part of the polling personnel to go to the polling locations in view of the fear in their minds with regard to their safety and security is also a matter of serious concern."

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed unrest in various places from the time the by-polls have been announced in the Srinagar and Anantnag constituency.

The by-polls of Srinagar Parliamentary constituency were held on 9 April amidst multiple incidents of violence resulting in the killing of seven civilians and injuring many.

In wake of the prevailing tension in the Kashmir valley, the EC had deferred the Anantnag by-polls till 25 May. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held on 12 April.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.