Expressing concern over killings of political workers and elected Panchayat members in Kashmir, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) on Friday requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister to immediately direct the UT administration for a comprehensive security audit to ensure fool-proof safety of Panchayat members in all vulnerable areas.
“The killing of political workers and elected Panchayat members is a matter of concern for all. Family members of our Sarpanches and Panches are living under constant fear psychosis in such a hostile atmosphere. We appeal to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to direct the UT administration for early conduct of a security audit so that all Panchayat members in vulnerable areas are provided adequate security,” Anil Sharma, UT president of AJKPC said while addressing a press conference.
The AJKPC leader, who was on a week-long visit to different Panchayats and Blocks in Kashmir Valley, said every Panchayat member wants to contribute more for development of his village and Panchayat but due to security reasons their movement and activities are confined and limited.
Blaming the Pakistani Army, ISI and their nurtured terrorists’ organization, Sharma said as they are unable to face the brave armed forces of India thus in a cowardice attempt they target innocent civilians and PRI members.
He once again reiterated that their organization AJKPC neither in the past nor now would bow before the diktats of the terrorists and PRI members shall continue to strengthen democracy at grass root level.
While exuding confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, Sharma said the Jammu and Kashmir Security Wing should be asked to provide security to all such PRIs members who had applied for it.
“There should be immediate categorization of security to elected PRIs members in vulnerable areas across Jammu and Kashmi,” he said and demanded for accommodations at safer places to all such PRIs members who are living under immediate radar of terrorists.
The AJKPC leader also expressed strong resentment against the government’s decision of utilizing 14th Finance Commission funds under the convergence scheme. “As per the norms, the government can’t utilize 14th FC funds under convergence scheme and it should refrain from such ulterior motive as it would disrupt the developmental activities in rural areas across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He also appealed to UT administration to clear Rs 1,000 crore MGNREGA liabilities for financial years 2016-17 to 2019-20.