Budgam, Apr 29: Accusing the Government of failing to empower Panchayats in the State, sarpanchs and panchs of ruling National Conference and opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have decided to observe hunger strike against it on May 1 at Lal Chowk here.
 Pertinently, the sarpanchs and panchs of the two parties had joined hands recently under the banner of J&K Panchayati Raj Movement (JKPRM) to press for empowerment of Panchayats. At a meeting of JKPRM’s coordination committee at Chadoora today, the members decided to observe hunger strike on May 1 against what it termed as Government’s failure to empower panchayats.  
 Shahnawaz Sultan, Convener of JKPRM said the sarpanchs and panchs have been working in close coordination so that issues related to 73rd amendment of J&K Panchayati Raj Act are taken up with the authorities more rigorously.  We held a Conference in Srinagar few weeks ago regarding empowering of panchayats in the State. But the Government is non-serious over the issue,” Sultan said. 

Lastupdate on : Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST