Mail

Good governance and peace

Sir,

The new Government is finally in command. Composed of different groups, having different manifestos, it is but natural that differences may exist there. There are at the same time certain circumstances in the State which may bind them together.

So, it will be premature to predict the expiry date of the present emulsion as in the present hotchpotch State every member has to skate on thin nice as leopards cannot change its sports. In the new political climate we have to walk cautiously with guarded lips difficult to predict when the simmering controversy will end. Actually issues do not die out as with a whisp of wind they raise their heads again and again. Besides silencing the opponents, vanquisher, detractors, critics, the new stalwart has to work hard to earn the confidence of the masses giving a practical shape to the manifesto that has stitched them together for better results. Welcoming the glittering function of swearing-in-ceremony of Mr. Mufti Sahib as CM of the State and his crew it equally reminds of the responsibility, devotion and dedication that they owe to the people without any discrimination. If we go by the spirit of the oath, it leaves not a residue of doubt how fair and true we have to be in the discharge of our responsibility without departure from the commitment, promises and assurances.

In the agonising and aweful gap of more than 13 years in exile, KPs being aborigines of the State have suffered tremendously. When the impact of wounds was getting deeper and deeper they were shown green pastures in the form of packages for his return which lushed unseen. These dramatic pledges and packages were nothing short of rubbing salt on their green wounds. As a result of exodus a large number of people of our community are still suffering from psychological disorders and fear psychosis. Memories of the fateful days constantly haunt them leaving them all in an uncontrollable grief and perpetual shock. KP's wish for the day to return to their home where from he sprang and unto which his forefathers have gone. KP's have enormously suffered and it will be grievous on the part of the new govt, it they fail to feature in on priority not as matter of grace or kindness but on logic and moral grounds.

The new political culture enunciated by Mufti Sahib has to pass through battery to tests in the prevailing conditions in the State when presence and political astuteness demand to stop killing and start living. People want peace a good governance where transparency and accountability in every discipline reigns supreme.

Yours etc...
P N Sus
129, Surya Vihar Bohri
Jammu.

Panchayat posts

Sir,

Mahatma Gandhi's dream of Panchayat Raj is not being materialised in its true spirit in J&K State. The provisions of Panchayat Act are not being adhered to the noble system's requirements. Instead those are being thrown away into the airs by the concerned ones.

The people of this militancy infested State, braving all odds and sacrificing their precious lives, fearlessly took part in the Panchayat elections. They no doubt proved that they had full faith in this democratic process. But to their dismay the State's ruling elite is bent upon discouraging and disgracing the people's faith and their sacrifices in the noble process.

Even after the lapse of such a long time of 15 months of Panchayat elections the constitutional process laid down by the Act is still surprisingly incomplete. The bodies at block and district levels and yet to be formed. The voice from various quarters is being raised since the very beginning that the Panchayat Raj system be made be popular. But the Government did not pay any attention towards this subject which is the very base of a strong, true and successful democratic set up as we have in our country. The half hearted and discriminatory attitude towards this institution has to be nipped and avoided first.

The present J&K Panchayat Raj Act clearly mandates that if a chair falls vacant in a Panchayat in the State due to any reason like death, resignation or due to some disqualification as prescribed by the Act etc. of a Sarpanch or Panch the concerned Governmental agency shall fill up the vacancy within six months i.e from the date of such vacancy. Innumerable such posts have fallen vacant especially due to natural deaths and militants attacks on Sarpanches and Panches across the State during the past fifteen months. The stipulated period of six months for filling up such posts has been left far behind by the concerned agencies. They are sleeping over such an important matters and violating the Act's mandates. It is not known why the Government has developed a non-serious and step motherly attitude for the Panchayat Raj system? We should not forget that heavy expenditure as well as human loss occurred in the Panchayat elections. But unfortunately the desired results thereof are still unseen.

The empowerment of Panchayats is another issue which is being intentionally ignored and delayed day by day. Hopes are pinned now on the present Mufti led coalition Government in the State.

Yours etc...
Sawatantra Dev Kotwal
Udhampur.