Srinagar: After Government of India’s representative made two consecutive visits to the Valley, the state government Wednesday claimed that the situation is taking a turn for the good and is conducive for holding civic body polls.

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh said that the situation in the state is conducive for the polls and they are expecting a huge participation of the people in the Panchayat polls.

Talking to media persons after visiting Dal Lake to get firsthand information of the cleaning operations of the Lake undertaken by LAWDA, Singh said that the state government will be conducting polls as the situation here is conducive now.

“The process for the elections has also been completed,” he informed.

He said that keeping in view the winter, the government will assist in every aspect and they want more and more people to participate in the local body polls.

“The decision to announce the polls will be taken soon,” he said.

Referring to a query, the Dy CM said that those who want to talk on the barrel of the gun will be given befitting reply. “Many youth have shunned the path of violence and have returned to their homes. The families of the youth are also appealing their sons to return home. The governments both central and state are putting every effort to restore peace in the Valley. I congratulate Jammu and Kashmir Police and the administration for doing a fine job for the restoration of peace,” he said.

“The government of India has appointed Interlocutor, Dineshwar Sharma for the people who want to see peace in the Valley and many delegations also met him,” he added.

Asked about amnesty to the first-time stone pelters, Singh said, “The Union Home Minister while visiting the Valley had said that the kids should not be treated like other criminals and should be sent to the juvenile jails. Following his sayings, Sharma also pitched for the dissimilar treatment for the juveniles. The government will take every possible step to ensure the safety of youth and the restoration of peace.”

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