Controversy erupts as J&K Police officer seeks rescheduling of political activity in Sopore

SRINAGAR, MAY 9: The order by a senior officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police asking for rescheduling of some political activities in Sopore area of Baramulla parliamentary constituency has sparked a controversy, with National Conference accusing the UT administration of bias and obstructing a fair electoral process.

National Conference leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is contesting the election in Baramulla which going to polls on May 20 during the fifth phase.

The office of Sopore SSP, Divya D, had on May 8 issued an official directive to the additional district magistrate, outlining the rescheduling of various political activities in the area.

The order specified the postponement of a car rally from May 9 to May 18, and the rescheduling of a political rally in Rafiabad from May 10 to May 18, while no new date was provided for a May 12 gathering in Behrampora — all of which would see the participation of Abdullah, who has been actively campaigning in the region.

While campaigning for the Lok Sabha seat is scheduled to end at 5 pm on May 18, the NC is planning to move the Election Commission to seek its intervention.

The order also mentioned the cancellation of a People’s Conference rally in Rafiabad, to be addressed by local party workers.

Sajad Lone, who is the chief of a faction of the People’s Conference, is contesting from Baramulla. Another faction of the party is led by his brother Bilal Lone, who is a part of the moderate separatist amalgam Hurriyat Conference.

The rescheduling directive did not cite specific reasons, but sources familiar with the situation indicated that it was due to the ongoing cordon and search operations following intelligence reports of foreign terrorists being present in the region.

Tanvir Sadiq, the chief spokesperson of the NC, condemned the administration for allegedly hindering a level playing field for party vice president Abdullah in the Baramulla constituency.

Sadiq, speaking from the party headquarters in Srinagar, said the rescheduling of Abdullah’s programmes was unfair and urged the EC to intervene.

He emphasised the importance of providing equal political space to the NC and asked the authorities to allow the party to conduct their rallies without any hindrances while seeking fairness and transparency in the electoral process. (With inputs from agencies).