Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while supporting opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti’s suggestion to include the killing of Panchayat members in the obituary reference of the State Assembly said today that the Panchayat Raj institution needs to be strengthened.
“I support the leader of the opposition Mehbooba Mufti’s suggestion to include the killing of Panchayat members in the obituary reference of Assembly”, said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. It was later included in the obituary reference of the Assembly by Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone.
Expressing grief over the killing of Panchayat Members and showing solidarity with their families, the Chief Minister condemned the killing of innocent Panchayat Members who had “intended to serve the people irrespective of any political motive”. He said that their main fault was that they were serving the people for which they were killed.
“Whether they became victims of militancy or personal rivalry, we pay tribute to them,” said Omar. He said the State Government and the ruling coalition has resolved to strengthen the Panchayati Raj institution in the State to ensure its success.
Earlier while speaking on the obituary reference in the Assembly, leader of the opposition Mehbooba Mufti condemned the killing of the Panchayat members. She said that these people were also elected by the people of their respective villages and suggested that the Assembly should also pay tributes to them and include it in the obituary reference.
The State general secretary of Communist Party of India, M Y Tarigami, while condemning the killing of Panchayat members said that Panchayat Raj institution should be de-politicized. He hoped that good sense would Prevail on those, who believe in killings and violence.
The senior National Conference (NC) leader Chowdery Ramzan while expressing concern over the killing of Panchayat members said that the State is facing this problem for past few decades. He said that thousands of people including Ministers were killed.
Independent MLA, Ashwani Sharma said in his address that the forces that are disturbing peace in the State should be strongly dealt with. He said that when the State is moving on the path of peace, these forces are killing the Panchayat members.
Independent MLA, Engineer Rashid condemned the killing of Panchayat members.
The Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution condemning the anti-Islam film that has evoked violent reactions in some Muslim countries.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the State cabinet had already condemned the film that has hurt the feelings of millions of Muslims across the world.
“We have already condemned the film in the cabinet,” said Chief Minister.
Assembly Speaker Muhammad Akbar Lone brought in the one-line resolution, condemning the blasphemous video which was unanimously passed by the house.
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