Local body, Panchayat polls on track: J&K official

Srinagar : Despite the decision by two major political parties to boycott the impending municipal and Panchayat polls in Jammu and Kahsmir, Chief Secretary B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said on Monday that the elections would be held as per schedule.

The announcement came hours after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it would stay away from these polls as the situation was far from conducive to holding such an exercise.

Earlier, the National Conference had announced boycott of these elections unless the Centre clarified that it would protect Articles 35-A and 370, which guarantee special status to the state.

"Panchayat polls are on, urban local bodies polls are also on. A decision was a taken in July. Voter list drafts have been printed and finalized. After a few days, actual notes fixation will be issued by the Chief Electoral Officer," Subrahmanyam said.

"Panchayat polls will be held around November 5," the Chief Secretary told reporters in south Kashmir.