STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Taking strong exception to Government’s silence over the repeated attack on Panchayat members by the anti-national elements, All Jammu Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) termed government apathy as inhuman.
While addressing gathering of Panchs, Sarpanchs here on Wednesday, President AJKPC, Anil Sharma expressed concern over the attack on Panch Bashir Ahmad Sheikh at Ashtengoo in Bandipora two-day back. He said, holding Panchayat elections for the sake of only funds without empowerment and security means nothing but a fake exercise of the government.
“The Government is least serious in ensuring security of the gullible Panchayat members but instead beating their chest on the name of holding Panchayat election, simply they are befooling the innocent villagers”, he said.
Sharma asked the State Police Chief to provide at least need based security to the Panchayat members who are apprehensive of their life. In atmosphere of fear for life and security threat the Panchayat leaders are unable to reach the remote and vulnerable areas of the State, he stated.
Other Panchayat members present on the occasion also shared their concern over the apathetic approach of the State Government towards Panchayati Raj Institutions and castigated the decision of the government to hold indirect elections for the Sarpanchs. They too called for constitutional status for PRI’s and implementation of 73rd amendment of Indian Constitution here in the State.
