In his first outreach to popular opinion in Jammu and Kashmir after prolonged unrest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured a delegation of Sarpanchs from the State which had called on him recently, that he would extend the 73rd Constitutional amendment to empower local bodies to the troubled State, a move which has been resisted by the regional parties till date. If implemented it will allow Panchayats to undertake basic development activities in rural areas and overcome the obstructions to the benefits of central schemes. It was unfortunate that “people friendly” Acts of Parliament had not been implemented in the State. All local body elections in the State must be held after implementing the 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution. The delegation that met the Prime Minister comprised Sarpanchs and Panchs (elected local officials) from terrorism-hit areas like Rajouri, Baramulla, Kupwara, Pulwama, Banihal, Ukhral, Poonch and Anantnag. This track, rather than a “political process” involving engagement with separatists, seems to be on the Centre’s agenda as it feels that dialogue with separatists is not likely to deliver results in view of Pakistan’s determination to keep the state on the boil through terrorist infiltration and border-Line of Control tensions. Almost three decade old militancy has taken the lives of over 14 Sarpanchs. Most of the killings were undertaken at the instance of their “patrons” who don’t wish the extension of democracy to the grassroots. People in J&K were more concerned about development and want to benefit from Indian democracy, a stand which suggests that demand for ‘Azadi’ is not the real issue. It can prove to be good initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give voice to the grassroot leaders in the State for giving pace to the development work. The delegation also denounced the burning of schools by anti-national elements. The Centre is expected to discuss the initiative with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister. Though a political initiative is not ruled out, the grassroot push is a new element of the Modi government’s strategy.
