Jammu, Sep 25: Taking strong exception to the statement made by Peoples Democratic Party patron and former Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Syed, National Conference leader and MLC, Ajay Sadhotra, on Sunday said that Mufti Syed was “shedding crocodile tears” for Sarpanchs and Panchs.
 In a statement, Sadhotra said, in 2001 Panchayat elections were held against all odds under the leadership of Dr. Farooq Abdullah and powers were vested to Panchayats. “In 2002, Mufti took over the reins of the state and never bothered to implement the powers vested to Panchayats by Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s government. Mufti is trying to befool the common people.”
 NC leader said the term of Panchayats was five years as per J&K State Panchayati Raj Act, but during Mufti’s Government “an attempt was made to amend the Panchayati Raj Act to curtail the term from five to four years.” “NC under the leadership of Omar Abdullah vehemently opposed that move and ensured that Governor did not give consent to such undemocratic Bill of Mufti Syed government.”
 Sadhotra said, National Conference believes in the principle of Sher-i-Kashmir “Sardari Awam Ka Haq Hai”. “The government has now given unprecedented powers to Panchayats.”
 Sadhotra alleged that PDP was creation of Advani and BJP only to weaken the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that National Conference was committed for grant of autonomy to the State and regional autonomy to the regions of the state.
 “NC always stood by the people of the state and does not need certificate from PDP.”

Lastupdate on : Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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