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Issuing photo ID cards could delay elections: Omar
Srinagar, July 15: Minister of State for External Affairs and National Conference president Omar Abdullah has said issuing photo-identity cards could delay the conduct of polls in Jammu and Kashmir or lead to its postponement.
Srinagar, July 15: Minister of State for External Affairs and National Conference president Omar Abdullah has
said issuing photo-identity cards could delay the conduct of
polls in Jammu and Kashmir or lead to its postponement.
"The issue of photo-identity cards is a time-consuming process that could lead to delay in the conduct of polls or postponement of elections, which are due in October," Omar said at a public meeting at Seri in Bhaderwah yesterday. He questioned the viability of the process of issuing the cards saying "nobody is willing to forego a days work to get the card made."
"People in the state are generally poor and they cannot afford to pay for the cards which will cost at least Rs 100 each," he said and suggested that the Election Commission bear the expenses.
"Considering the security situation in the state, it would be enough if people come out to vote. We cannot put additional burden on them," he added. The NC president claimed Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah had approached the election commission five years ago to begin issuing identity cards but no action was taken.
"Why has the commission suddenly woken up and made the cards compulsory?" Omar asked.
Bureau Report
"The issue of photo-identity cards is a time-consuming process that could lead to delay in the conduct of polls or postponement of elections, which are due in October," Omar said at a public meeting at Seri in Bhaderwah yesterday. He questioned the viability of the process of issuing the cards saying "nobody is willing to forego a days work to get the card made."
"People in the state are generally poor and they cannot afford to pay for the cards which will cost at least Rs 100 each," he said and suggested that the Election Commission bear the expenses.
"Considering the security situation in the state, it would be enough if people come out to vote. We cannot put additional burden on them," he added. The NC president claimed Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah had approached the election commission five years ago to begin issuing identity cards but no action was taken.
"Why has the commission suddenly woken up and made the cards compulsory?" Omar asked.
Bureau Report