Cong leaders to talk panchayats’ powers with J&K govt: Rahul

If the state government has a problem in directly implementing the 73rd amendment,Rahul said it can incorporate its provisions into the J&K Panchayati Raj Act. “For development,empowerment of panchayats is mandatory and it should be done without wasting time,” he added.

Rahul also asked the government to ensure security of panchs and sarpanches. “I have come here to build a strong and long relationship with the people of Kashmir,” he told the panchayat members. “Whatever problems you are facing you should try to bring those to my notice.”

Some in the gathering,however,blamed the Congress for hijacking the conference. Some of them even protested to the party leadership for not allowing them to speak.

“It is very unfortunate that some leaders of Congress tried to hijack the conference that was originally meant to discuss problems of panchayats members,” Convener,Jammu & Kashmir Panchayat Conference,Shafiq Mir told The Indian Express,adding that he has lodged a complaint with Rahul.

Mir,however,granted that Rahul had taken some steps to empower panchayats. “The nomination of leaders for talks with the government is a strong and positive step,” he said.