Panchayat members to get security cover, says govt

SRINAGAR: In view of recent killings, the government has directed the officers to ensure security cover to Panchs and Sarpanchs for their visit to their respective constituencies in Kashmir.
An official at the divisional commissioner Kashmir office said Sarpanchs and Panchs have told the government that they are scared to visit their constituencies.
“They have told the government they live under constant fear and are not able to review the developmental works in Kashmir,” an official said.
The government has directed the district development commissioners and district police chiefs to make an adequate security plan for Panchs and Sarpanchs during their visit to constituencies.
“Prior their visit to constituencies, they have to inform the concerned SHOs so that necessary security arrangements are in place,” an official added.
He said directives have gone to DCs and SSPs to ensure security of Panchs and Sarpanchs.
“Wherever they (Panchs and Sarpanchs) need security, they can approach to concerned SSP and DC. They have been assured they will be provided security cover when they intend to visit their respective constituencies,” he
added.
TheGoIhas announced to release Rs 3700 crore for panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir of which around Rs 1000 crore has been released so far.
Amid fear, they have been lodged in scores of hotels in Srinagar.
“I have not visited my constituency for the last two months. People of my constituency visit me at a hotel and enquire about their problems. We are not able to review the developmental works in our constituencies,” one of
the Sarpanchs from south Kashmir, who is staying at one of the hotels in Srinagar’s Rajabgh area, said.

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