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Demand for Governor's rule untenable: Omar

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR JULY 10. The demand for Governor's role in Jammu and Kashmir is "untenable and against democratic spirits", the National Conference president and Minister of State External Affairs, Omar Abdullah, said here today.

Addressing a public meeting in Nowhatta area here, Mr. Abdullah said that the "imposition of Governor's rule would amount to running rough shod on the Constitution and the democratic precedents of the country.''

"We welcome the appointment of independent observers, the introduction of electronic voting machines and any other reform to ensure free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir but will not be a party to anything that runs counter to the Constitutional provisions and democratic norms''.

He said that even parties which did not exist in the State had joined the "chorus" for the "untenable demand". The only scenario in which Governor's rule could be imposed was on the recommendation of the State Government.

Paswan supports autonomy

The former Union Minister and Lok Janshakti president, Ram Vilas Paswan, has supported the demand for autonomy in J&K within the ambit of the Constitution saying that if it helped in development it should be granted. Talking to reporters here, he said the RSS and the VHP should be banned because they were bent upon dividing the nation.

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