Oppn demands early assembly elections in J-K

The Congress on Monday accused the BJP-led central government of "betraying" the people of Jammu and Kashmir by imposing President's rule in the state and demanded early Assembly elections there.

Initiating the debate on statutory resolution to extend President's rule, Congress member Viplove Thakur questioned why assembly elections were not held in the state along with the Lok Sabha polls.

She also charged that the Centre was only citing Amarnath Yatra and other religious activities as an excuse for not conducting election.

"Why can't you clearly say that 'our motive has not been fulfilled'," she said.

"People of J-K want to join mainstream," Thakur said, and asked the Centre to hold early elections in the state.

The Congress member alleged that the Centre was misleading the people of J-K as well as the House by saying that no party was in a position to form government in the state.

"Keep the democracy alive. Do not divide Jammu and Kashmir. Preserve unity of this ...