The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is “comfortable to hold elections,” defence minister Rajnath Singh told ET, adding that the final decision rests with the Election Commission (EC).
EC has decided to hold only Lok Sabha elections – being held across the country in phases until June 1 – in the current poll cycle in the Union Territory. The Supreme Court earlier said Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections should be held by September. These were last held in 2014.
“The final decision will be with EC, but we do want polls to take place,” said Singh. “The security situation is comfortable to hold elections. In terms of (security) data, I would say we are 95% there.”
The minister told ET in an interaction that Pakistan has become a non-issue for elections as cross-border terrorism has been vanquished, barring a few incidents.
Singh said India has not changed its approach on the China border and wants good relations with all neighbours. “As Atal ji (Atal Bihari Vajpayee) used to say, you can change your friends, but you cannot change your neighbours. Talks are progressive and satisfactory… we are firmly putting up our position,” he said.
According to Singh, there’s no question of abolishing the Agniveer scheme, though changes can be made to the armed forces recruitment process.
The opposition Congress has pledged to scrap the programme. “Attempts have been made to politicise this scheme. I think issues related to national security should not be politicised,” said the minister. “If we feel some improvements are required, we will consider it. You would agree that there should be youthfulness in the armed forces.”
