J&K crippled by ‘lame duck’ assembly & CM: Former CEC Quraishi

Srinagar, India - Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi has criticized the Jammu and Kashmir assembly and chief minister, stating they operate with limited powers as a "lame duck" administration. Quraishi questioned the purpose of an elected chief minister when representative institutions remain outside their direct control during a lecture in Srinagar.

He also cautioned against exploiting the killings of Kashmiri Pandits while acknowledging that many more Muslims were killed by terrorists. Quraishi emphasized Kashmir's need for democracy, reconciliation, and revival of its sense of shared belonging. He noted that Supreme Court showed "soft-heartedness" in restoring J&K's statehood but not for setting a deadline for assembly polls, held in 2024 after the Court's directive.

Quraishi highlighted the deep wound of Pandit displacement, urging the government to secure their security, housing, employment, and confidence, stating that true reconciliation requires Pandits returning to their neighborhoods, friendships, schools, markets, and old relationships rather than just government-built colonies.