PM asks J-K to hold early local bodies elections

Panchayat elections in the state were not held since the term of the civic body expired in 2006. Last time the polls were held for panchayats was after 22 years in 2000-01.

Asking the state government to speed up the process of development,Singh said,”Unprecedented resources have been committed to the state for its comprehensive reconstruction. But,I recognize that the benefits are trickling down slowly. This state of affairs should change. We have to speed up the pace of development.”

Singh also talked about reversal of brain drain,and said,”We have to create conditions for them (intellectuals) to return and be the instruments of change and development.”

The PM said that his government wants to strengthen the state government,so that they can implement an ambitious development agenda.

The Prime Minister congratulated the people of the state for turning up in good numbers during last year’s assembly polls and parliamentary elections this year.

“I am happy that people of Jammu and Kashmir turned up to vote in these elections (assembly and parliamentary polls) in large numbers,” Singh said and added,”I believe that it was a vote for a peaceful path to a better tomorrow. I applaud the wisdom and good faith of the common man of Kashmir.”

“The elected government has a golden opportunity to consolidate peace in the state,” Singh said.

In the last five years,Centre has taken a number of steps to bring development to Jammu and Kashmir.

“We took the bold step of reviving movement of goods and people across the Line of Control on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road and on Poonch-Rawalakot road. I am hapy to announce that the Centre has decided to fund the additional cost of Rs 385 crore to build the heritage Mughal Road that will connect Shopian in south Kashmir with remote areas of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region,” he said.