National   

Polls alone will not help, says Karan Singh

By Our Special Correspondent

Coimbatore Aug. 9. It would be "unrealistic'' to expect "miraculous developments'' merely by holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the former Union Minister, Karan Singh, said here today.

Responding to queries from presspersons, he said polls should be held in the State though it had been facing a "human tragedy of gigantic proportions''. "It has been facing nothing but a continuous earthquake for the past 13 years of militancy.'' Holding elections alone "will not help provide a solution to the problems (of Kashmir) vis-a-vis Pakistan''.

Dr. Singh disagreed that the situation was not conducive for holding the elections because "this has been so for the past 13 years''.

He refused to comment on "controversial'' issues such as "autonomy'' and "trifurcation''.

Would he appeal to the Hurriyat to take part in the democratic process? "I don't want to make any appeal because they have their own views.''

Asked whether "international observers'' were needed for polls, he said any "official'' status for observers had already been rejected by the Election Commission. Anyway, international press and representatives of diplomatic missions would be present. Besides, human rights organisations would also be highly vigilant. "We cannot insulate the elections from the eyes of the world and these elections would be closely watched around the world''.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• India lobbying for entry into Shanghai group
• Sonia slams divisive politics
• Opposition blames PM for stalemate
• Release water to T.N., panel tells Karnataka
• Cong. to fight for Governor's rule in J&K
• Polls alone will not help, says Karan Singh
• Hindujas move SC for lifting travel restrictions
• Plan to set up centre on climate change
• TV serial producers face arrests
• SC asks Madras HC to dispose of habeas corpus pleas
• BJP poll panel reconstituted
• Celebration a low-key affair
• `Colombo to try for consensus on solution'
• T.N. to extend licences of IMFL shops till Aug. 31
• Supreme Court modifies death sentence to 20 years in jail
• No doubling of MPs fund: Centre
• Court permits Vaiko to take part in polls
• `First train ran between Roorkee and Piran Kaliyar'
• `Solution to fiscal problems by Sept.'
• `Sati' was not planned, say villagers
• HC stays action against petrol dealers
• Police fail to locate Haryana IG's wife
• Godhra court acquits 71, over 40 rearrested

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu