Survival of Panchayat institution is at stake. It was revived after a gap of more than three decades with the intention of carrying forward the theory of devolution of power. In other words, it was meant to carry democratic dispensation to the grassroots level and empower people to the extent of making them active partners in nation building process. Nobody can question the intentions of the Government in investing its energy and money in this venture. Nearly 4,000 Panchayats spreading all over the state came into being with equal number of Sarpanches. The Government was working on the modalities of empowering these public institutions and providing them with funds to start their role which was bound to become more and more significant as the state was on its march to development and progress.
The militants consider the functioning of the institution of Panchayats as a sign of Government consolidating its grip on public opinion, which, as they feel, could be consolidated against militancy and violence. That would mean a defeat of the entire mission of militancy in the State. Therefore to derail this programme of far-reaching implications, militants have become active and have targeted the Sarpanches and Panches, both in southern as well as northern region of Kashmir traditionally called Maraz and Kamraz. First, a warning is issued to the Panchayat members and then, if they do not resign formally within the stipulated time, they are shot at and gunned down. As a result of killing of scores of Panches and Sarpanches, hundreds of them have tendered formal resignation either through paid ads, or through announcements in mosques or through pasting of hand written notices.
May be many among them would not have resigned if they were provided adequate security. Belonging to the localities, these Panches and Sarpanches are well aware of the whereabouts of the militants who are active in the area and their hideouts. But because of fear, they are not free to act a Panchayatis since the militants consider them a hindrance to their agenda. What does this scenario tell us? Militants are determined not to allow the Government run its writ in vast rural area of the valley. The hard fact is that it is not possible for the Government to provide personal security to all the Panches and Sarpanches of 4,000 Panchayats in the State. Therefore it is important that respective MLAs are involved in the process and mechanism of ensuring some sense of security of the Panches. This also means taking some strong and harsh decisions. Interestingly, it has been noted that no political party or group in opposition has come out with strong condemnation of attacks on Panchayat members in the valley. If the opposition is really sincere in restoration of peace, and proliferation of democratic dispensation in the state, then it should not only condemn attacks on Panches but should volunteer to help the Government identify the culprits and bring them to book. Do they want the rule of law to prevail in the State or do they not want it? They will have to clarify their stand on this issue. In the same manner separatist groups like the Hurriyat factions also shall have to clarify their position on the issue of attacks on Panchayat members.
The Government will have to consider the situation in all its dimensions and frame foolproof policy of securing Panchayat institution against sabotage. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while expressing concern over the killing of Panchayat members has said that the issue of their security will be discussed in the next meeting of Unified Headquarters. We hope some useful suggestions come out as a result of this security review meeting, thereby provide a sense of security to the elected Panchayats.
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