Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov27: In a significant development, the All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) has withdrawn its boycott call of MLCs’ elections falling under Panchayat quota saying its members that they are free to participate in the elections.
This was announced by Chairman AJKPC Shafiq Mir while addressing media persons after the conclusion of the State level convention of the organization here today. Earlier in the convention the Panchayat members passed a resolution for extension of 73rd Amendment of Indian Constitution in the State in letter and spirit.
He appealed the Panchs and Sarpanchs to vote as per their own conscious. Earlier, all the Panchayat members present in the convention had given their mandate to Mir to take final decision.
The resolution passed by Panchayat members also said that State Government can go even beyond 73rd Amendment as it enjoys special status under Article 370.
During the convention, the Sarpanchs from all the corners of the State shared their views regarding the ongoing MLCs elections and empowerment of Panchayats in the State. The speakers while addressing the gathering held all the political parties equally responsible for not empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions in the State and said that they have no option to vote for anyone as all the political parties were playing with their sentiments for their own interests.
However, the Panchjayat members unanimously passed the resolution demanding immediate extension of 73rd Amendment of Indian Constitution to the State terming it the only way to empower Panchayats. Apart from this the resolution also demanded implementation of 74th Amendment of Indian Constitution, which empowers other Local Bodies. Besides, the Panchs and Sarpanchs also demanded the release of honorarium promised to them as per JK Panchayati Raj Act 1989.
Speaking on the occasion, Shafiq Mir said that empowerment of Local Bodies with autonomous status will also end the regional discrimination allegation levelled by certain quarter both in Kashmir and Jammu region.
He said as his organization stands on the democratic principles of the Indian Constitution so for the larger interests of democracy they are withdrawing their boycott call but he clarified that AJKPC will not support any particular group or individual because MLCs elections is no issue for them and it has no role in empowering Panchayats.
Anil Sharma general secretary AJKPC said empowered PRI’s can bridge the gap of regional discrimination and bring a sense of unity amongst all the three regions of the State. While speaking on the occasion provincial president, Kashmir Imtiyal Afzal Beigh said that AJKPC was the only organization, which is credited of having members from all sections, regions and communities.
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