SRINAGAR, Sept 26:
Terming the killings of panchayat members in Jammu and Kashmir a serious issue, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad asked the State Government to provide them security, while asking people to stand united against terror.
“It is a serious issue. The State Government should create a sense of security among the panchayat members and security should be provided in sensitive areas. We cannot let their life be in danger,” Azad told reporters here.
Calling on people to unite against terrorism, Azad said, “people should come on roads and condemn such killings.
“It is not just the duty of political parties, but people as well to support them and condemn their killing,” he added.
At least 40 sarpanchs and panchs have resigned following the killing of one of their colleagues in north Kashmir’s Baramullah district on Sunday.
Azad said the rise in militancy-related incidents in the State is a matter of concern.
“We are concerned that after a long time militancy is again taking its head out. The people of Jammu and Kashmir should think how beneficial it is when the situation gets normal. Tourists from the country and outside visit the State. It brings in economic prosperity. But if terror is not stopped it would destroy the State,” he said.
Azad also supported JKPCC chief Saifuddin Soz for demanding the implementation of 73th Amendment and asked the State Government to empower the elected Sarpanchs and Panchs.
Ruling out any differences between Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Azad said Sharad Pawar is the biggest “supporter” and “well-wisher” of UPA II.
“There are no differences with Sharad Pawar. He is the biggest supporter and well-wisher of the UPA,” Azad said.
When Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee left UPA II, Pawar was the first to come out and strongly condemn the move, Azad said, adding, “It signifies how strongly he feels that UPA should last for the full term”.
Azad’s reaction comes a day after Pawar’s nephew and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar resigned following allegations of an irrigation scam when he was the State’s Water Resources Minister.
Congress and NCP are ruling the coalition in Maharashtra as well.
Azad said there is no threat to the State Government as the deputy CM resigned on allegations of a scam and not because there were any differences.
“Ajit Pawar has not resigned because he has any differences either with the State or the central Congress, but because there are some allegations. He has said he would not accept any post till his name is cleared,” Azad said.
Meanwhile, putting to rest speculation on a change in his portfolio, Azad said he is happy being the health minister.
“There will be no change in my portfolio. I am happy being the health minister. Health of the people of the country is my priority,” he said.
On the question of Telangana, Azad said it is a complex issue and the Central Government wants an amicable solution.
“It is a very complex issue. Whenever we have tried to solve it, it becomes more complex. There are many parties to it. We want a solution that is agreed by all,” Azad, who is AICC general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh, said.
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