J&K Polls After Amarnath Yatra, Amit Shah Tells Lok Sabha

The Bill once passed by Parliament will amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 to bring persons residing in areas adjoining the IB within the ambit of reservation, on par with those living in areas adjoining the ALoC.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah

New Delhi:  Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday proposed in the Lok Sabha that President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir should be extended by 6 months. Shah also said in the view of Ramzan and Amarnath Yatra in J&K, "preparations were underway to hold Assembly elections by the end of this year." The Election Commission has agreed to postpone the Assembly polls in the state, he said.  The home minister said that elections in the Valley will be held post Amarnath Yatra, where security forces "will leave no stone unturned." "During the Governor's Rule and later President's Rule, the government has hit at the roots of terrorism. The state has seen bloodshed in previous elections, but things have changed," Shah told the House. He urged the members to rise above party lines to support the resolution. Shah also introduced the J&K Reservation Bill in the House, saying, "this bill is not to please anyone but for those living near the International Border." The bill seeks to provide relief to people living in areas adjoining the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. They can now avail benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses. The Bill once passed by Parliament will amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 to bring persons residing in areas adjoining the IB within the ambit of reservation, on par with those living in areas adjoining the ALoC. People living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not included in the ambit of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and Rules, 2005. The rules provided for reservation in direct recruitment, promotions and admission in different professional courses to various categories, including residents of areas adjoining ALoC. Thus, those living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not getting these benefits for a long time. Due to continuous cross-border tensions, persons living along the IB suffer from socio-economic and educational backwardness. Shelling from across the border often compels residents to move to safer places, which adversely impacts their education as schools and colleges remain closed for long periods. (With additional information from Agencies)