Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 5: Descri-bing the intention of the Government to defer Panchayat elections in the State of Jammu and Kashmir a big set back to the democracy, All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC), an apex body of ex-Panchayat members of the State have expressed their displeasure and anguish over the attitude of the government and other political parties towards Panchayats and other local governing institutions.
In an emergency meeting of executive members of Panchayat Conference held here, the members condemned all political parties for politicizing this community institution for their political aims and ends.
Shafiq Mir, chairman All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference criticized the government for giving this institution a political colour by calling all political parties meeting to defer these polls.
Questioning the decision of the government for calling all party meeting, Mir said that when government had itself announced that these elections will be held on non party basis then what was the logic of calling All Party Meet.
Terming the decision unfortunate, the Panchayat leaders said that it shows no political party wants democracy to strengthen in this state and they want to continue their interference in each institution.
The Panchayat Conference leaders have appealed the people to understand this conspiracy and teach these political parties a lesson.
It is pertinent to mention here that AJKPC had already published its publicity material for these elections and had already started their campaign. However, the sudden decision of the government to call all party meeting which supported the deferment of polls has stalled their campaign.
Prominent leaders who spoke on the occasion included Anil Sharma, president, Aftab Ahmed Beg Vice chairman, Imtiaz Afzal Beg General Secretary, Bashir Ahmed Malik provincial president and Mushtaq Ahmed Khan.
Follow our WhatsApp channel