Srinagar, May 1: Cutting across the party lines, Sarpanchs and Panchs on Tuesday observed a one day hunger strike to press for empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions in JK.
 Scores of Sarpanchs and Panchs from various districts of the Valley assembled at Press Enclave this morning and staged a sit in.
 Speaking on the occasion Convener of J&K Panchayati Raj Movement Shahnawaz Sultan criticized the Government for what he termed as playing politics with regard to strengthening of Panchayati Raj in the state. 
 He accused the Government of not being clear on issues related to 73rd amendment powers to Panchayat members and monthly honorarium for Sarpanchs and Panchs.
 “Our leaders are telling people that 73rd amendment is not possible to be introduced in J&K in view of article 370 but I want to ask them why was NREGA extended to J&K ? There is lot of money in NREGA that is why it was extended,” he added.
 Founder member of J&K Panchayati Raj Movement Bashir Ahmad Mir who is also Sarpanch of Kralpora Chadoora demanded that Sarpanchs and Panchs must be provided monthly honorarium. 
 If our demands are not fulfilled then we may be forced to go for indefinite strike
 A large number of women Panchayat members also attended the programme which was organized by J&K Panchayati Raj Movement.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 2 May 2012 00:00:00 IST