Srinagar, Aug 31: National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) from Srinagar, Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday expressed concerns over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to order transfers while the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in effect.
Addressing a press conference at the NC headquarters here, Ruhullah questioned the timing of transfers, saying, “We wonder why these transfers are taking place when we are about to see polls and when MCC is in vogue.”
He said the NC has sent a letter to the ECI, seeking clarification for these transfers during the ongoing Code of Conduct. “I am surprised Baramulla SSP was transferred within 10 days only and a new one was posted there. This is what we were worried about. During our meeting with the ECI in Srinagar, we were assured that no such step would be taken and parties would be given a level playing field,” he said.
The MP said these transfers could be seen as an attempt to disrupt the level-playing field promised by the ECI to all political parties. “Isn’t it surprising to see that a police officer who posted just ten days ago in Baramulla was replaced by a new one? Three more transfers were made and one Deputy Commissioner was also shifted,” he added.
Criticising the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ruhullah questioned their claims of working towards resolving the Kashmir issue. He said the NC remains committed to fighting for the restoration of Article 370 and addressing Kashmir’s political issues.
“We have promised in our manifesto that we will fight for the restoration of what has been snatched from us. That includes Article 370 as well. We also believe Kashmir is a political issue which needs to be resolved politically,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mehdi urged the Service Selection Board (SSB) to reconsider the examination centres for candidates. “The centres must be located closer to candidates’ homes to allow for better preparation time,” he said.
