AMN/ NEW DELHI

UNION Home Minister Amit Shah today moved a resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking an extension of President rule in Jammu and Kashmir for a further period of six months with effect from 3rd July 2019.

Moving the resolution in the House, Mr Shah said, since the State Assembly has been dissolved and the Election Commission has decided to hold fresh elections in Jammu and Kashmir later this year, it is essential that the President’s Rule be extended for another six months.

He said, the state has seen bloodshed in previous elections, but things have changed and during Lok Sabha election this year, no violence took place. Mr Shah said, the law and order in the state is under control and the government has adopted zero tolerance against terrorism.

He said, the preparation to conduct Assembly elections in the State by the end of this year is underway. He said the Centre is committed to a democratically elected government in the State.

The Minister also listed out the initiatives of the Central government regarding development programmes in Jammu and Kashmir saying that pending issues in the State are being resolved.

He said, 15 thousand bunkers will be constructed and so far 4400 have already been built.

The Minister also moved Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passage. The bill proposes to give reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to people living within 10 kilometres of the International Border in Jammu. The Bill will replace the Ordinance promulgated in this regard.

Initiating the discussion, NK Premachandran of RSP opposes the resolution of President Rule, but fully supports the provisions of the reservation bill that ensure a reservation.

He said, citing security reasons for not holding assembly elections is not true. He questioned if Lok Sabha elections can be held then why not assembly polls simultaneously.

Manish Tiwari of Congress also opposed the resolution related to President rule in the state but support the reservation bill. He said the Congress handed a progressive State to succeeding governments.

He alleged that alliance of ideologically incompatible parties responsible for the state of affairs in the State where President Rule is being sought so frequently.