Omar Government Deliberately not providing Security: AJKPC

P R E S S    N O T E

Threat  Posters  against Panchayt  Members

Omar Government Deliberately not providing Security: AJKPC

Jammu, 20/Dec/2013: After recent threat posters against the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat members  asking them to resign from their posts of Panches and Sarpanches,  All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat, AJKPC an organization of elected Panchs and Sarpanches have taken a strong note of these posters and once again have made it clear that 33,000 panches and sarpanches of the state are not going to succumb to these threats.

Senior AJKPC leader Imtiyaz Afzal Beigh, who is also General Secretary  of the organization said “We are not scared of these life threats, we are in the democratic process just to serve the masses and have nothing to do with larger political Kashmir issue, those who are issuing these diktats to innocent Panches and Sarpanches are selectively choosing helpless targets just to mark their presence “

Imtiyaz also condemned the casual approach of the J & K government and especially of the state police department for doing nothing for the security of elected panchayat members of the state, when the state police  is providing security even to the junior leaders of the ruling party like ward presidents and Mohalla leaders then why elected panchayat members selectively not provided any security.

He also informed that last year, AJKPC president Anil Sharma (then Gen Secy) on 5/nov/2012 has submitted a request letter to the DGP of the State police for providing security to panchayat members but even till date the letter is gathering dust in the Police headquarter and we have not received any response from PHQ. This is shameful on the part of the state police, the DGP knows that 6 panchayat members have already been killed but despite that fact his force did nothing for us. We are not only deceived by the State government but even the union government has not come to our rescue and have left us at the mercy of the militants.                                                                                 

   Sd/-

Imtiyaz Afzal Beigh,

Gen Secy, AJKPC. 

Incorporate All provisions of 73rd Amendment: AJKPC

P R E S S    N O T E

No compromise on implementing all provisions of  73^rd Amendment : AJKPC

Jammu, 17/Dec/2013: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat, AJKPC the leading Panchayat body of the village heads has made it clear that it won’t compromise its stand of full implementation of all the provisions of the 73^rd amendment of the Indian Constitution to strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state.

Today, Anil Sharma, President of the organization once again reiterated that AJKPC’s stance on the issue is not diluted and the Panches and Sarpanches of the state won’t accept anything less than the full incorporation of all the provisions and sections of the 73^rd amendment. He said unfortunately some vested interests from the political parties are trying to build an impression that by implementing all the provisions of 73^rd amendment in the state would undermine and challenge article 370  which guarantees  special status to the state.

AJKPC president made it clear that such a propaganda is misleading and far from the truth because even after incorporation of all provisions  of 73^rd amendment in the state Panchayati Raj Act 1989, only the state subject holders and local voters can contest the Panchayat elections hence there is no scope of diluting the article 370.  Only those Political parties and leaders who are opposed to empower  and strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institutions are trying to curtail the rights of the Panchayat under the garb of article 370.  “We want to caution all those who are spreading this wrong message against 73^rd amendment that 33,000 Panchayat  members are now aware and ready to go to any extent to get their legal rights  so don’t test our patience ” . Anil also informed that the copies of memorandum dispatched to MP’s of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha haven been received by the respective secretariat of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha where the AJKPC has apprised all the MP’s about the plight of Panchayat members in Jammu and Kashmir State .                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                    Sd/-

ANIL SHARMA,

President, AJKPC.

Mobile: 94191-86510.

73rd amendment in JK: AJKPC Writes to MPs Urge them to Intervene

^{ALL JAMMU & KASHMIR PANCHAYAT CONFERENCE}

P R E S S    NOTE

 Implementation of 73^rd amendment in JK

 AJKPC Writes to MPs Urge them to Intervene

Omar Govt has lost Credibility: AJKPC

Jammu, 10/Dec/2013: Today in a press conference, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, AJKPC an organization of elected Panchayat representatives strongly condemned the State Government.

While addressing the media persons, Anil Sharma, President of the organization said that since the state government has lost its credibility amongst the panches and Sarpanches therefore now they are compelled to seek the intervention of the Central Leaders for implementation of 73^rd amendment of Indian Constitution in the state for empowering the Panchayati Raj Institutions. He also displayed the copies of memorandum prepared by the Panches and Sarpanches for all the parliamentarian of Rajya Sabha (243 members) and Lok Sabha (545 members) where the Members of the parliament have been urged to intervene and ask the  J & K  government to implement 73^rd amendment  and make necessary arrangements for the safety and security of the Panchayat representatives. In the memorandum, the panchayat body has sought the cooperation of the parliamentarians  to accomplish their mission of strengthening democracy and empowering citizens through Panchayats.

They have also submitted, “” Honourable MP, you might be aware of the fact that Jammu and Kashmir State conducted Panchayat elections in 2011 where there were over 80 percent polling over all and even in some cases more than 90 percent, people dared the anti-national forces and came open for the cause of democracy. The state government before the elections had promised due powers to the elected Panchayat representatives but it never made its promises and rendered the Panchayats ineffective as it has not given them any power and authority”. While accusing the J & K government of remain callous in its approach towards PRI’s the memorandum reads “ The state government of J & K is so callous in its approach towards  empowering Panchayats that it has not even completed the process of establishing three tier system. Though over 2 year time has gone since elections of panches and sarpanches but elections to the Block and district level Panchayat bodies still remain incompleted ”.

It has also been stated  that Under present system there is no independent and autonomous election commission and finance commission for the panchayati Raj Instituions in the state due to which the state government always undermine the PRI’s and deprive them of their legal right because the 73^rd amendement of Indian constitution which calls for empowered panchayti Raj Institutions has not been implemented in our state . There are over 33,000 Panchayat representatives in the state and all  want the implementation of all the provisions of the 73^rd amendment here. As on date at least 6 Panchayat members have also been killed by the militants but the state government has made no arrangements for the safety and security of the Panchayat members.  

Those others who were  present on the occasion and spoke include, Vimla Devi, President Women Wing, Kulbushan Khajuria Additional General Secretary,  Sardar Kamal jeet Saini, Madan Lal, Vijay Saini, Raj Mohammad Chandel, Jeevan Lal, Avinash Devi, Kanta Devi and Noor Mohammad.

Empowered Panchayats Can Neutralize Security Threats to Village Heads: AJKPC

PRESS NOTE

 

Threatening Posters for  Panchayat Members  

Empowered Panchayats Can Neutralize Security Threats to Village Heads: AJKPC  

Jammu, 26/Oct/2013: While reacting to the recent appearance of  threatening posters  for the Panchayat members there in Pulwama district of South Kashmir, All Jammu and Kashmir Conference, AJKPC has asked the state government  to take all necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the panchayat members.

Anil Sharma, General Secretary of the organization said  that though the Panchayat members are not scared of any  threats and would continue to work for democracy but the state government  must be careful to avoid any loss of human life. Anil also informed that in the threatening  posters that appeared on Friday   in Pulwama district ,  the elected Panches and Sarpanches had been threatened and asked to stop their activities, the Panchayat members have been arrayed as ‘Agents for Govt of India’.

Yet the Police has not confirmed the veracity of these posters  but no one should take any chance because  already 6 innocent Panchayat members have been brutally killed by the militants, the Panchayat leader added. Sharma  also said that the empowered Panchayats can ensure security of the elected Panches and Sarpanches. In his argument, the AJKPC leader said if the elected village heads are legally competent and authorize to serve their Panchayat People then obviously the general masses would serve as their security shield and protect them but in the present scenario and due to weaken Panchayati Raj Act, the elected village heads are rendered helpless and they are being made easy targets for the anti-national elements. He also reiterated his appeal to the Panches and Sarpanches not succumb to any threat and must not resign from their post.  The AJKPC is constantly putting pressure on the J & K to government to extend 73^rd amendment of the Indian Constitution here in the state and it has also demanded an ordinance in this regard to expedite the process of strengthening the Panchayti Raj Institutions in the state.

AJKPC Demands Ordinance to Extend 73rd Amendment In JK

PRI’s Without Block, District Councils Just Mockery of Law : AJKPC

 PRESS NOTE:

JAMMU, 24/Oct/2013: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, AJKPC     has asked the State  government to immediately bring an ordinance for extending the 73^rd amendment of the Indian Constitution related to empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions here in the state. Anil Sharma General Secretary of the organization         said “We urge both Coalition partners National Conference and Congress Party to pass an ordinance for  extending this important provision here in the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayti Raj Act to strengthen the democracy at grass root levels  ” Sharma said that the 33,000 elected Panchayat members  have been patiently waiting that both NC and Congress make their promises regarding empowerment of PRI’s in  J & K but except giving more deadlines and meetings of  National Conference-Congress Coordination Committee nothing concrete is done therefore  AJKPC specifically urges the leadership of Congress Party to use its influence to bring an ordinance to extend 73^rd amendment here in the state.

The Panchayat leader while justifying his demand for ordinance said  that as a  very little time left  for the completion of the tenure of the present government which would be ending in Dec 2014 and between this period only 2 sessions of the state legislatures would be convened therefore it would be in the larger public interest if the  ordinance is brought on the pattern of Food Security Bill and Land acquisition Bill so that Panchayat Elections at the Block Level and Distrcit level are completed for the formation of BDC’s and DDC’s. The elected Panchayat members also cannot afford any more time because already a period of more than 2 years has passed since they took oath as Panch and Sarpanch and yet the 3 tier system as even envisaged in the state act is not completed and the elected representatives are deprived of their rights, PRI’s without BDC and DDC’s is nothing short of mockery of the law. The political parties must respect 33,000 elected panchayat members who are selflessly working at the basic level to strengthen the foundation of democracy.

PUBLISHED IN DAILY EXCELSIOR, STATE TIMES, JKNEWSPOINT, STATE TIMES, KASHMIR TIMES, RISING KASHMIR AND MANY OTHER MAJOR NEWSPAPERS OF THE STATE AND NATIONAL DAILIES .................

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131025/jmtrib.htm#3
http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/ajkpc-demands-ordinance-to-extend-73rd-amendment-in-jk/
http://www.jknewspoint.com/newsdet.aspx?q=23852
http://www.statetimes.in/news/bring-ordinance-extend-73rd-amendment-ajkpc/
 

AJKPC congratulates center for Rs. 420 Crore package to JK Panchayats

Jammu, 16/June/2013 : Appreciating the announcement of Rs. 420 Crore Package for the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayats, AJKPC, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference has hailed the union government for sanctioning such a huge amount for the empowerment of Panchayati Raj Insitutions in the state. Anil Sharma, General Secretary of AJKPC said we 33,000 Panchayat representatives welcome the package and hope that the union government would not only release the money but would also make it sure that the amount meant for panchayat is used only for the welfare of the Panchayats and state government do not divert the funds for any other purpose as it has been doing in other schemes. Anil said during our meeting with the Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi Last Year, AJKPC delegation had raised this demand for the Panchayat Halqa Development Fund like MP/MLAD funds. This is obviously a step forward and would bring a trust amongst the panches and sarpanches who are otherwise deprived any rights by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The AJKPC also asked the union government to directly transfer the funds into the respective Panchayat’s Constituency Development Fund Accounts so that the panchayats can independently use this fund in consultation with the Gram Sabha without any interference of the bureaucrats as per their needs.   The state government should not take the credit for this package by the union government as the announcement of the package is the result of hard struggle of the innocent Panchayat representatives. On the issue of humiliation of Panches and Sarpanches including female panches in Udhampur by an IAS officer Yasha Mudgal, Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur  who had made  the male panchayat members to do Sit-Ups (Uthak baithak) and made female panches to recite multiplication tables in presence of officers, Anil Said AJKPC won’t let this serious issue be buried unless justice is done with the elected Panchayat members and the guilty officer is punished under law for her shameful  treatment with the panches.   

Omar Government deceived 33,000 Panches, Sarpanches: AJKPC

Jammu, 27/May/2013:  Taking a strong dig at the state government for not showing any sincerity about the issue of empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state by extending 73^rd amendment of the constitution here in the state and also the security for the Panchayat leaders . Anil Sharma, General Secretary of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference have accused the Omar led coalition government of being insensitive and deceiving the 33,000 elected Panches and Sarpanches of the state on the name of empowerment. The present government has done nothing more than the lip service and now we demand the union government and the central leadership of congress party to make their promise of empowerment of the Panchayati Raj Institutions. During our (AJKPC members) meeting with Rahul Gandhi last year he had assured the delegation that his party would do everything to give panchayats their due share but unfortunately the state leaders of the congress party have totally disregarded the promise of its top leader. The state unit of congress party has totally surrendered itself to the coalition partner for the reasons best known to them otherwise these issues should have been resolved in the coordination committee meetings of the NC-Congress party. Anil also condemned the National conference party and accused it of being anti-democratic, he said  the National conference that claims to be the champion of democracy  has history of undermining the democratic institutions resulting eruption of violence in the state right from 1989. The lie and callousness  of the state government is being exposed when its finance minister on the floor of the house has said that their government would release monthly honorarium for the elected village heads (Rs. 2000 for Sarapnch and Rs. 300 for Panch per sitting) but till date  not even a single rupee has been released. Warning the state government of get ready to face continue protests from the AJKPC leaders if the issues like 73^rd amendment and security for panchayat representatives are not met out at an earliest.

AJKPC Condemns Chattishgarh Naxal Attack

Jammu, 26/May/2013: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, a front organization of elected Panches and Sarpanches of the state have strongly condemned the Naxal attack there in Sukma district of Chattishgarh where more than 27 people have been killed and several others injured  including senior political leaders, security persons and others. 

                                                              In a statement, Anil Sharma, Senior leader and General Secretary of AJKPC have termed the attack as cruel act against humanity. Anil said, AJKPC strongly denounces such  act of violence and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved  families of all those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation and democracy. We urge the Union and state governments of Naxal hit states  to take all preventive security measures so that such brutal acts do not happen again in future. 

Several Panchayat members in Kashmir Join AJKPC

Srinagar, 26/April/2013:  Several Panches, Sarpanches representing different Panchayats and blocks of Valley being impressed with the movement of AJKPC today joined All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference in presence of Imtiaz Afzal Beig, Provincial President Kashmir Division. On this occasion, while addressing a large number of Panchayat representatives at block Zainger of district Baramulla, the provincial president welcomed the new entrants. Beig while referring the recent announcement of the J & K government to give honorarium to the elected Panches and Sarpanches said that it is only because of the continuous efforts and pressure of the organization and its leadership that compelled the government to take this decision.     

                                                       

       
Shafiq Mir, Chairman and Anil Sharma, General Secretary of the organization in their message has welcomed the Panchayat members for joining the AJKPC and also appreciated the efforts of senior leaders like Imtiaz Afzal Beig, Ghulam Hassan Punzoo, Bashir Ahmed Malik  and their team for the dedicated work for the cause of Panchayti Raj Institutions in the region.  Meanwhile block Zainger Committee of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference was also reorganized where Sonullah Dar has been designated as Senior k Vice President for the block, Syed Irshad as Vice President, Bashir Ahmad Magray as Block General Secretary , Afroz Ahmad Dar, treasurer, Ghulam Ahmad Lone, Advisor, Ghulam Nabi Lone, Patron, Jehangir Rasool Reshi, Jt Secretary, Haji M Akbar Lone, Md Ramzan Rather as Organisers and  Mohammad Muzafafr Dar as Publicity Secretary.

Killing of 6th Sarpanch in Kashmir

                                    PRESS NOTE  

Killing of 6^th Sarpanch in Kashmir  

AJKPC demands Intervention of World Human Rights Organizations 

Jammu, 09/April/2013: Describing Jammu and Kashmir Government as complete failure to protect the lives of the elected panchayat leaders in the state, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference has appealed to the World Human Rights Organizations to intervene in the state and take note of the brutal killings of Pancyat leaders by the unknown forces.

The AJKPC also expressed its displeasure over the mute spectatoral  attitude of Union Government towards the safety and security of  33000 Panchayat leaders in the state.

In an emergency meeting of AJKPC leaders held here in winter capital, the AJKPC leaders has strongly condemned the killing of Sarpanch Ghulam Mohammad Lone of Pulwama, a district in South Kashmir, last night by an unidentified gunmen. This is the sixth killing of sarpanches in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Shafiq Mir, Chariman of AJKPC has questioned the role of international human rights organizations regarding the killing of Village heads  by anti-democratic forces and demanded that they should take not of the killings of the elected representatives. Mir also criticized the role of Union government of India to prevent attacks on Panchayat leaders.

While Anil Sharma, General Secretary of the organization held the J & K government responsible for the killing and has said it is not competent to protect its  citizens. However Sharma appealed the Panchayat leaders of the state not to take any decision in haste till a final decision is taken by the AJKPC. Anil Sharma also informed that already the National Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Union and State government regarding the security of Panchayat leaders but shamefully neither the state nor GOI have  responded yet to the notices .

Whereas Sarpanch Gautam Singh Jamwal, the provincial secretary of AJKPC said that here in the state there is complete anarchy referring the recent 3 days hunger strike by the AJKPC leaders for security and empowerment of Panchayats in the state, he said this is very shameful for the government that it is not taking any action or even giving any assurance to the Panches and Sarpanches and have left them at the mercy of the terrorists who whenever wants kill the innocent Sarpanches  and the state government merely do lip service.  Others who spoke on the occasion include Sarpanch  Alam Choudhary, Vimla Devi, Raj Kumar and Sunita Sharma, Sadiq Mohammad, Sardar Vikram Singh, Vijay Mahajan and Ram Kumar.    

AJKPC’s 72-hours Hunger Strike Concludes

AJKPC’s  72-hours Hunger Strike Concludes

Jammu, 27/March/2013: 72 Hours long hunger strike of Sarpanches under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference finally concluded today morning with all the three Sarpanches Anil Sharma, General Secretary of AJKPC, Ghuman Hassan Puzoo, Chief Spoesperson  and Sarpanch Raj Kumar broke their fast with glass of juice which was offered to them by the Chairman, Shafiq Mir. The sarpanches were on  on complete hunger strike right from 09:00 A.M  of 24^th March protesting against the state government for their demand of security and implementation of 73^rd amendment.

While addressing the Panches and Sarpanches Ghulam Hassan Punzoo Chief Spokesperson of AJKPC and Sarpanch from Kupwara district of Kashmir in an emotional speech said that he had spent 72 hours without any food only due to  support of his colleagues and well wishes of  people of Jammu. Sarpanch Raj Kumar also thanked the supporters. Whereas Anil Sharma said, “ Though the first stage of protest is over but we will continue to fight for our rights and not let the politicians sit quite if they do not give the panchayats their due share and ensure adequate security” . Panchayat Members are the democratically elected representatives of the people but this shameful government has no respect either for the citizens nor for the democratic processes. Alleged Anil.

On successful completion of 72 hours hunger strike of AJKPC, Shafiq Mir, Chairman of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference congratulated dedicated members and reiterated that in given scenario Security is their prime concern. Mir also said that in few days the executive body of the organization would hold a meeting and decide next course of action in continuation of their struggle to seek justice for the 33000 Panchayat members. Mir while lamenting the state government also said it was never serious over the issue of security or strengthening the PRI’s and the elections were held just to hoodwink the people and the nation. Shaif Mir once again warned the state government to get ready to face more protests if it remains adamant to the demands of Panchayat members. On conclusion, Gautam Singh, Provincial President, (Jammu) of AJKPC thanked the media, Social Activists, Religious Leaders, Leaders of Various Political Parties and all others who supported the protest of their organization.

Jugal, Mankotia meet Sarpanches, offer Party’s Support

Jammu, 27/March/2013: on 4^th and final day of AJKPC’s 72- hour hunger strike, today, Bhartiya Janta Party, BJP State President and MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA Sham Choudhary along with other senior leaders of the party visited the agitating Panchayat members and expressed their sympathy with them. BJP President promised  the agitating panchayat members that his party would take up the issue of security of Panchayat members with the Chief Minister and the state Director General of Police. He also assured  the Sarpanches  that his party would raise up all the issues of Panchayat members in the state assembly and in parliament also. Earlier, yesterday late in the evening Jammu and Kashmir National Panther Party President and MLA Udhampur Balwant Singh Mankotia also met with the AJKPC leaders and  urged them to call of their hunger strike with the assurance to take up their issue to the concerned quarters. AJKPC Provincial President , Gautam Singh on behalf of the organization thanked the political leaders for their support and sympathy to the cause of Panchayats. Yesterday, Gulchain Singh Charak,  Senior Leader and National Working Committee Member of  Congress Party, Shiekh Abdul Rehman, former MP and State President of Samajwadi Party, Thakur Randhir Singh, former minister and Anita Thakur, General Secretary of the JKNPP also visited the agitating Panchayat leaders. 

3rd Day of Sarpanches’ Hunger Strike

3^rd Day of Sarpanches’  Hunger Strike

 

Left to Right: Sarpanch Raj Kumar, Anil Sharm and Ghulam Hassan Punzoo.

AJKPC Asks Congress Leader to Fulfil Promises

Charak visited Agitating  Sarpanches , Receives Memorandum for Sonia Gandhi

                  

 Jammu March 26, 2013 :   Even on 3^rd of day of 72-Hours Hunger Strike of Panchayat members under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, the state government remained silent on the issue and did not initiated  any dialogue process with the agitating Sarpanches. Though, today a team of government doctors conducted a medical health checkup of all the three Sarpanches including Anil Sharma, Ghulam Hassan Punzoo and Rajkumar who are sitting on hunger strike since 24^th of March. Though, today the agitating Sarpanches were feeling quite weak but they have decided to complete their 72 hours strike which would end tomorrow at 09:00 A.M in the morning.   

In a surprising development today the senior leader and Congress National Working Committee Member Gulchain Singh Charak visited the agitating Sarpanches and urged them to call of their hunger strike. Charak also criticized the J & K  government for its failure to give powers to the Panchayats. Senior Congress leader also shared the concern of the AKPC regarding Security of the Panchayat leaders, he said it is regretful that elected representatives of the people have to come on road and seek justice for them. In his address to the Panches and Sarpanches GS Charak also informed that today he has also met the Governor NN Vohra and have asked him to intervene in this serious issue of

security and empowerment of Panchayat Raj Institutions. On the question of implementation of 73^rd amendment of Constitution here in Jammu and Kashmir, he said his Party have always favoured and would do whatever require to implement it here. Shafiq Mir Chairman of AJKPC along with General Secretary Anil Sharma in presence of all other members of the organization also handed over a memorandum to Charak addressed to Sonia Gandhi, President Congress Party. In this memorandum the AJKPC have sought intervention of Madam Gandhi for Security and full empowerment of PRI’s in the state. Through this memorandum the AJKPC have reminded the congress party that Despite the fact that Congress is Partner of the state government since 2002, but it has not taken any step regarding the implementation of 73^rd amendment in the state which was not only the promise of Congress but a dream of Late Rajiv Gandhi Ji who wanted to empower Panchayats with this amendment. “Madam, it is very much unfortunate that despite being voted by 90% people of the state despite all risks, the Sarpanches and Panches of the state are on hunger strike. will die in the state for ever which will be biggest setback to the democracy in the state. 

 

 

The aim and objective of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference to go on hunger strike was only to remind your good self that all was not well in the state as the Delhi is briefed by the state establishment. At this moment we the Panchayat members who are the basic pillars of democracy feel that taking part in the Panchayat elections was not our good decision and the large number of Panchayat members in the state have already resigned and many more are ready to disassociate themselves from the institution which is almost defunct and useless “, The Memorandum states .

 

Congress President has also been apprised that the most and prime concern of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference is the security of Panchayat leaders in the state which has taken importance and essence after the recent Fidayeen attacks carried by militants in the state of Jammu and Kashmir on security forces and if immediate steps are not taken, the institution of Panchayats Earlier in the day a number of other delegations including social and political leaders paid visit to the fasting Panchayat members and appreciated their effort.

 

Panthers, SP, NCP lend support to AJKPC

 

Jammu March 26,2013 :   On third day of Sarpanches Hunger Strike of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference  here outside Press Club Jammu, a number of social activists, NGO Members, Human Rights activists and political parties leaders met the AJKPC leaders who are sitting on the fast and offered their support and cooperation.

Former Member Parliament and State president of Samajwadi party (SP) Shiekh Abdul Rehman during his visit offered his party fullest support to the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference. He criticized the State Government for being so reluctant in empowering the Panchayats. While appreciating the Panchayat members for adopting a peaceful way of protest the former MP said he would take up the issue with his party’s high command and press that the genuine demands of the 33000 Panchayat representatives are given due consideration.

 

Former Minister and State president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Thakur Randhir Singh also blamed the Jammu and Kashmir government for deceiving the elected Panchayat representatives. Former minister said the state MLA’s and MLC’s should have debated this important issue in the house but unfortunately they don’t want to share power with the people at grass root level this is why they remained silent.

Anita Thakur, General Secretary of JKNPP, Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party during her interaction with the fasting Panchayat members also extended her party’s support to the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference. She assured the Sarpanches that NPP legislators would raise the issue in both houses of the house. All senior leaders and members of the executive committee of the AJKPC including its Chairman, Shafiq Mir, General Secretary Anil Sharma, Ghulam Hassan Punzoo, Spokesperson, Bimla Devi, President Women Wing, Gautam Singh, Provincial President, Jammu, , Basheer Malik, Provincial President Kashmir, Afzal Beig, Provincial Secretary Kashmir, Fayaz Ahmad Khanday, Alam Choudhary, , Tariq Ahmad, Sham Lal, Raj Kumar and Captain Raj Dev Singh  thanked the visiting delegates for their kind support to the Panchayat members.