New Delhi: Owing to “continuous deterioration” in the ground situation and the “non-availability of sufficient security forces”, the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday cancelled the Anantnag Lok Sabha byelection scheduled for 25 May.
The bypoll was earlier scheduled for 12 April but was postponed due to the poor law and order situation.
“...reports reveal further continuous deterioration in the situation and the incidents of stone-pelting, violence and rioting have rather been on the increase, including loss of life,” the Commission said in its order, adding that there could be reluctance on the part of polling personnel to go to polling locations.
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Taking note of Ramzan in May-June, the Amarnath Yatra from May to August and the tourist season, the Commission concluded that deferment of polls would not be a feasible option.
In its 10-page order, the EC added that the byelection to the Anantnag parliamentary constituency would take place in due course of time when the “situation becomes conducive” to holding free, fair and peaceful elections.