Days after EC's directive, J-K transfers officials ahead of Assembly polls

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has transferred several officials, including deputy commissioners, a couple of weeks after the Election Commission directed the poll-bound states to transfer out officers posted in their home districts. The Election Commission will announce the schedule for assembly elections on Friday afternoon. However, it is still not clear for which states the election schedule will be announced. The poll panel plans to hold assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir before September 30, the deadline set by the Supreme Court. Late on Thursday night, the general administration department of Jammu and Kashmir issued orders for 89 transfers and posting with immediate effect. The transfers include those of deputy commissioners of Poonch and Bandipora districts, secretaries, commissioners, director generals, managing directors, and directors of several departments. The Election Commission of India on July 31 asked the Union Territory administration to transfer out offi