JKNC gets ‘Plough’ symbol for contesting LAHDC elections

The J&K High Court, on Thursday, ordered the UT of Ladakh to allot Hal (Plough) symbol for candidates of the National Conference to contest the Hill Council Elections.

“In a major victory for JKNC in the J&K High Court today, the court ordered the UT of Ladakh to allot a Hal (Plough) symbol for candidates of the party to contest the Hill Council Elections for which the notification has been issued a few days ago. Our lawyer Shariq Reyaz, engaged by the party, did an excellent job in securing this vital win for the JKNC in court,” Jammu and Kashmir National Conference working President Omar Abdullah wrote on Twitter.

On August 5, the election notification for the 5th Annual General Election of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil was issued and the Code of Conduct came into effect immediately.

“Whereas, the Administration of the Union territory of Ladakh vide S.o. 52 dated 2nd of August, 2023 has called upon the constituencies to elect their members for constituting the 5th Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil,” reads the notification issued by the election department of UT Ladakh. 

On September 10, the election for 26 seats of the 30-member LAHDC (Kargil), is scheduled from 8 am to 4 pm and counting of votes will be held four days later.

“Polls are held for 26 seats of the council, four members with voting rights are nominated by the administration,” an officer said.

To assure people of free and fair polls, EVMs will be used for voting.

On Wednesday, Omar Abdullah said the Union Government should wait for the Supreme Court's (SC) decision on Article 370 abrogation rather than “issuing threats”.

Omar said that the remarks made by the senior BJP leader over the sub-judice matter are “contempt of court”.

Junior Abdullah's reaction came just as BJP senior leader Smriti Irani, in a parliament on Thursday said that "Article 370 will never be restored".