Panchayat elections in J&K from 15th February

Only Kashmir News Desk
Srinagar, Dec 25 (Only Kashmir): Much awaited, the Panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir State will be held from 15th February 2018. Officials say Panchayat elections will also be held on the pattern of 2011 but the number of wards is expected to increase. The elections could not be held in 2016 and 2017 due to unrest and political uncertainty in Kashmir valley.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who Tuesday called on Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan Jammu informer latter about her Government’s decision to commence Panchayat elections from 15th February 2018. Chief Minister also informed the Governor about several important matters in regard to which the Cabinet had taken decisions a few days back.

During the hour long meeting the duo discussed importance of ensuring prompt redressal of public grievances and for the entire administrative system to function in a truly transparent and accountable manner, to promote public welfare.
The five-year term for the previous panchayat bodies in the state ended in July last year at a time when Kashmir was facing turmoil following the killing of militant Burhan Wani.
Sources told Onlykashmir.in that to initiate the process of holding panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has directed the state officials to segregate electoral rolls. During present elections only panches will be elected directly and who in turn elect sarpach for the Halqa Panchayat.
Last time in 2011 during the National Conference-Congress coalition government regime elections in all panchayats of Jammu and Kashmir were held.
Pertinently, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed killings of these representatives since 2011. However, leaders in separatist camp on different occasions condemned such attacks saying “no one should be killed for his political ideology.” (OK)