Will not let Panchayati Raj system derail, says Omar - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Facing the heat from opposition over recent attacks by militants on sarpanches in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the government will ensure that the Panchayati Raj system remains intact in the state. Talking to reporters here, Abdullah said the recent attacks on sarpanches are an attempt by militants to derail the panchayati raj system, and added that the state government will not remain a silent spectator to these attacks. “Attempts are being made by the militants to derail the panchayati raj system that we started last year after a gap of around 30 years. We will do everything to ensure that sarpanches are secure. A meeting to address the safety issues of sarpanches will be held on Oct 1,” he said. Amid reports that nearly 200 panches and sarpanches have announced their resignations fearing for their lives after attacks by militants during the past two days, Abdullah said that the government has received only 50 resignations of sarpanch. “Only 50 sarpanches have resigned so far and we have not accepted any resignations as of now,” he said. Despite assurances by the state government, over 100 terror-stricken panches and sarpanches announced their resignations through paid advertisements in the Valley. “These (militants) cowards are attacking defenseless people. If they have the courage let them carry out an attack on me. But they will not do it as they know they will get a befitting reply,” the chief minister added.

Will not let Panchayati Raj system derail, says Omar Abdullah